The Athens County Humane Society

Top Ten Most Popular Dog Breeds In America

2012-02-08T14:36:00.003-05:00

We all think our breed of dog is the most special, but have you ever wondered which breed of dogs are most popular in the United States? Here’s a list of the top 10.

10. Shih Tzu

With their long fur and beards, it's no wonder why pet owners love these dogs. They're sweet and playful, but also love to be well groomed!

9.Poodle

Regarded as one of the most regale and beautiful dog breeds around, these guys are extremely intelligent and come in many

different sizes and colors!

8. Dachshund

Also known as the "wiener dog" for their long bodes, these pups have wonderful personalities and come in all different colors and varieties.

7. Boxer

Athletic and powerful, Boxers make great pets if you're looking for an active dog who loves people!

6. Bulldog

Don't be fooled by their bad boy reputation, these guys are some of the most lovable pups around! Characterized by their wide stature and wrinkles, these guys look tough on the outside but are total sweethearts!

5. Golden Retriever

Easily one of the most recognizable dogs of all time, these intelligent guys make wonderful service and rescue dogs, as well as a great addition to the family.

4. Beagle

Talk about definition of "puppy dog eyes"! Good for hunting, beagles come with a personality that can make anyone fall in love at first sight!

3. Yorkshire Terrier

Recognized by their long glossy coats and small body size, it's obvious how these guys can bring out the collective "aaaww" in all of us. Don't be fooled by their proper looks, because Yorkies are very energized and know how to have fun too!

2. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are known for there large role as a service dog, but also serve as great life partners! It's easy to see how they're so highly ranked!

1. Labrador Retriever

A great addition to the family and a best friend for both kids and parents, these lovable guys also serve well as watch and service dogs. No wonder they're the most wanted dog around!

By: Michelle Robinson

Athens County Humane Society ImPRessions Account Executive

To You & Your Pup!

2012-01-30T21:00:00.016-05:00

By Kaija Nealon, ImPRessions ACHS Account Associate

Whether you've had a dog for a while or are just getting started, it can be hard to know what to get or find the right products to make both you and your pooch's lives a little easier.

*The Athens County Humane Society is in no way affiliated with or receiving compensation for these products.

Click & Play Squid

This toy is based off of a reward system, and very friendly to dog-owners looking for a way to train their dog at home. Based off of Pavlov's Dogs theory, this toy uses a combined clicking noise and treat distribution system to give your dog consistent reinforcement for their cooperation!

Dingo Denta Treats

Instead of giving your dog mints that only cover up their bad breath stench, try these! The denta treats have deep-clean ridges that will instead aim for & eliminate the source of the problem - tartar and plaque. After these have been scrubbed from your pup's mouth, the minty-fresh smell of the treats will be sure to last longer, giving your dog much more pleasant breath!

Magic Coat Wipes

Getting your pet a bath or to a groomer every time they have a messy play-date can definitely be a challenge, and if you have to transport them in

your car, the mess just keeps going! These heavy duty wipes clean deep into your animal's coat, and make for a quick and easy clean-up. Getting off all the tough dirt, dander and odors

just got a lot easier!

Cool-It Cooling Pet Bandana

Sometimes panting just isn't enough to keep your dog comfortable on hot days in the sun. When that happens, soak this bandana in water for 15-30 minutes (refrigeration after optional) and put it around your pet's neck. It's wide design targets your canine's major neck veins where the cooling effect will be spread to the entire body. The collar is filled with non-toxic polymer crystals which will cool the water, but not allow for pesky condensation like ice would. Cooling lasts for hours and is definitely a great way to give your dog the relief it deserves!

BarkBox

If sorting through the endless array of dog products out there is simply too overwhelming, why not let the experts do it for you? A monthly subscription to this cute box starts as low as $17, and comes with plenty of useful gifts to keep your best friend happy. One of the best things about this is that the 4+ items that come each month are different every time - how fun! You're also asked to specify what size your dog is, so no need to worry about your poor little yorkie getting a giant squeak toy! In addition, 10% of all earnings go towards a local shelter or rescue. Merchandise in the box can be anything from teeth-strengthing treats to scented doggie bags, but all of them are carefully selected and sure to satisfy you and your pup!

Cats & Dogs: What's Right For YOU?

2012-01-29T15:51:00.005-05:00

By Kaija Nealon, ImPRessions ACHS Account Associate

What kind of animal do you think would best compliment YOUR personality? Most people have always had an idea of what they would be most compatible with. Whether you do or don't know, we've compiled this quiz to help you better ensure that the pet you adopt will be right for the both of you!

1. What would be your ideal afternoon?

A. Getting outside for some fresh air, whether it be just hanging out in your backyard or taking a hike through the park.

B. Curled up inside in bed or on the couch, relaxing the day away.

2. Which noise would be most unbearable to you?

A. Cats hissing

B. Dogs barking

3. How do you feel about being responsible for ensuring your pet's hygiene?

A. I'd be perfectly willing to clean them myself or take them to a groomer.

B. That's not really something that I can see myself having time to do, or enjoying.

4. All pets have excrements, and as their owner, cleaning them up is your responsibility. Which method would you prefer?

A. Pooper scooper

B. Litter box

5. Do you welcome routine in your schedule, or does the day seem incomplete without a new experience or two?

A. Routine

B. New experiences

6. What is your current household population size like, and what are your plans for the future?

A. 4+ members

B. 3 or less members

7. Are you someone who enjoys being constantly surrounded by companions, or someone who treasures their own quiet time?

A. Constantly surrounded by companions

B. Treasures quiet time

8. Which kind of activity do you prefer?

A. Something sports-related, where physical activity and energetic interaction is present.

B. Utilizing your creative/non-traditional side, or having a stimulating discussion.

9. How often do you travel?

A. Quite often. Long trips don't bother me.

B. Not too much. I don't really enjoy the time it takes to get there.

10. Are you messy or neat?

A. Messy

B. Neat

**If you answered:

Mostly A's - you are a dog person

Mostly B's - you are a cat person

According to extensive research done by the University of Texas at Austin, people who prefer dogs are usually loving, loyal, outgoing, structured and personable. In addition to this, they're usually more extroverted and agreeable. Cat owners, on the other hand, were found to be much more independent, adaptable, poised, silly, and beauty-lovers. It was interesting to find that higher-educated people tend to own cats, as well as more open to experiencing new things. Sometimes, though, people are just compatible with both types of pets, and whatever they get, they'll be happy with. Hopefully this quiz has helped you to figure out where you stand, and will lead to the right decision when considering adoption!

Are You Prepared To Adopt?

2012-01-27T17:19:00.008-05:00

By Kaija Nealon, ImPRessions ACHS Account Associate

As exciting as it can be to finally be bringing a new companion into your home, it's also important to consider the responsibilities that come with adopting a dog. Here are a few tips to get you on the right track to bringing your new bundle of love into a safe & happy home for the both of you!

1. Know the rules beforehand: after you've found a dog , take some time before you bring it home to think about what kind of rules you're going to reinforce with it. If a dog becomes accustomed to being allowed to do a certain thing (like laying on furniture) then it will be confusing for them and difficult for you to get them to stop. This way, they know the rules from the get-go and never know what they're missing!

2. Talk to your neighbors: it's common courtesy to let the people you live around know that you're planning on adopting a dog. If they aren't dog fanatics, then at least you've given them a heads-up, but if they do get along with dogs, then even better! You can even offer to bring them over for a play-date sometime. And having someone in the neighborhood who the dog is familiar with is always an advantage if you're stuck somewhere and the dog needs to be let out for some exercise or to go to the bathroom!

3. Stock up on toys - dogs have needs too, and one of them is chewing. You can go for the fancy toys at the pet store, or just go with everyday items, like a rag with knots in it or a tennis ball. Bones are never a bad thing either, and will help keep their teeth healthy. Trust us, your beautiful new pumps and leather couch will thank you later!

Hopefully we've covered some things here that aren't as obvious to the new pet-owner. You and your dog's happiness should be intertwined on every level, so look out for your dog and you'll be looking out for yourself!

Gatsby's story

2011-11-06T22:10:00.006-05:00

By Kelsey Morrow-Fox

Gatsby, a corgi mix, proudly sports his lobster costume for Halloween. He was rescued from a puppy mill bust in 2009, and now lives a very happy life with his loving owner. Because of his puppy mill experience, he has hip dysplasia and has had to have multiple surgeries on his legs. However, with the care his owners now give him, he is able to experience things that he would never have at a puppy mill, such as adequate food and water, treats, toys and love. He now enjoys playing with his squeaky toys and going for long walks through the park. Gatsby advocates staying away from puppy mills so other dogs don't have to experience what he and his family did, and recommends adopting dogs from shelters so adorable dogs like him can have good homes.

ACHS Impressions Members To Serve at Redbrick

2011-04-20T22:05:00.003-04:00

By Sarah Holt

Impressions members on the Athens County Humane Society account will be serving at Redbrick Sports Pub on Wed., April 27, from 6-9 p.m. to raise puppy mill awareness. What’s better than getting delicious food and supporting an awesome cause? So come out to RedBrick to support a great cause!

The money raised will go toward helping an innocent dog or cat find a loving home as opposed to the terrible conditions that animals must endure in puppy mills. Here are a few of the facts that you should know about puppy mills:

- Puppy mills are distinguished by their inhumane conditions and the constant breeding of unhealthy and genetically defective dogs solely for profit.

- Very often the dogs in puppy mills are covered with matted, filthy hair, their teeth are rotting and their eyes have ulcers. We have seen many dogs whose jaws have rotted because of tooth decay.

- The dogs are typically kept in small wire cages for their entire lives. They are almost never allowed out. They may never touch solid ground or grass to run and play.

(www.prisonersofgreed.com)

These are just a few of the horrors that these poor animals face. So please come out and help—it’s as simple as eating a meal. We look forward to seeing you all there!

2011-01-23T15:29:00.001-05:00

By Paige Kruse, ImPRessions ACHS account member

The Athens Humane Society ImPRessions account hosted a successful Puppy Mill Awareness event with the help of Redbrick Sports Pub.. On Wed., Jan.19, ACHS members served dinner and drinks with the tips benefiting the Humane Society and its fight for local pets. The Athens community and fellow students were able to stand up against puppy mills while enjoying a lively atmosphere and 45 cent wing night. Although most volunteers didn’t have a lot of serving experience, costumers were patient and ready to contribute for a good cause. Puppy Mill Awareness Week strives to shed light on the miserable conditions of puppy mill breeding.
With thousands of mills across the United States, most puppies are left in small, wired cages and never feel the grass on their paws. Large pet stores will buy dogs from puppy mills at low costs and sell them for a large profit. Puppy mill owners have been known to shoot the dogs rather than provide vet care.
Adoption is a great step toward bettering conditions for dogs. Interested in the fight against Puppy mills? Visit http://www.humanesociety.org/ or http://www.stoppuppymills.org/.

Winter Weather Safety

2011-01-12T23:31:00.002-05:00

By Camille Davis, ACHS ImPRessions account member

When the weather gets cold, and the snow begins to fall, it is easy for us to add another layer of clothes. But what about our pets? Winter pet safety is an important subject for all pet owners.

One of the most basic ways we can take care of our pets in this harsh winter weather is by bringing our outdoor pets inside. Winter weather brings many perils, from the biting cold to the mountains of snow. It is not uncommon for pets to get lost in this weather, so when they do go outside make sure they are wearing their tags and keep dogs on leashes. It is easy for them to get turned about and have a hard time picking up the scent of home in the snow.

Pet owners should also take caution of outdoor cats. Parked cars provide cats a safe haven from the snow, so be sure to bang on the hood of your car to warn any sleeping animals that you are about to start the car.

Dogs may seem warm with their furry coats, but even they are subject to the cold of winter. When bringing your dog in from a walk be sure to fully dry off their legs and belly. No one wants to walk around in wet clothes, especially clothes covered in road salt. Also check the area in between the pads of their paws. Ice and salt can gather quickly in that space.

The fashionable dog owner can dress short haired dogs up in adorable, warm sweaters. If you aren’t the fashionista then be sure to not cut your dog’s hair short. For the dogs who love playing in the snow, you may want to give them a little extra food to keep their energy up!

While winter can be a dangerous time for people and animals, it can also be a lot of fun. The snow provides countless photo opportunities of dogs playing in the snow. Is there anything cuter than a furry snowball? What better time to curl up on the couch with your cat then when the snow is falling? With months of winter ahead of us, be sure to keep an eye on your pets and be sure to enjoy the winter!

Feline Leukemia Virus

2010-11-18T18:29:00.004-05:00

(Editor's note: Volunteering with the Athens County Humane Society (ACHS), I have seen a lot of strays in need of foster or permanent homes. I recently took in a beautiful, friendly tabby that was abandoned on N. Lancaster St. I took him to the vet and was informed that “Tommy” has feline leukemia. Tommy was at least the sixth cat to be diagnosed with FeLV last month.)

By Kylie Whittaker

A positive feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (feline AIDS or FIV) test is any cat owner’s worst nightmare. Much like human AIDS, FeLV and FIV suppresses the immune system of a cat and can lead to many other health problems such as disease, infection, and cancer.

According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, three percent of all cats in the U.S. are infected with this virus. FeLV and FIV are spread by infected cats through saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, milk, and mutual grooming. Transfer of the virus can also occur between cats that share a litter box and saliva transfer from a bite wound. An infected mother cat can transfer the virus to her kittens during pregnancy or while nursing.

There are two stages of FeLV.
-Primary Viremia is the early stage of the virus. Some cats can have an effective immune response removing the virus from their blood stream and halting progression to the secondary viremia stage.
-Secondary Viremia is the later stage that is said to be the point of no return. At this point, infection of bone marrow and other tissue will begin. If FeLV progresses to this point, the cat will most likely have the disease for the remainder of their life.
(www.vet.cornell.edu)

The disease varies but seems to be most common in cats under 2-years-old. Symptoms include inflammation of gums and mouth, reoccurring respiratory problems such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and coughing, digestive or skin disorders, and tumors.

Within the first months of contracting the virus, your cat may not show any signs or symptoms. This is why it is very important to pay attention to any changes in your cat’s behavior. Some signs to watch for include a loss of appetite, slow weight loss, poor coat condition, enlarged lymph nodes, eye conditions, seizures, behavioral changes, diarrhea, or persistent fever. If you notice any of these behaviors or symptoms in your cat, make an appointment with your veterinarian to have the cat tested. Two types of blood tests are commonly used to detect a protein component of the virus.

-ELISA can be performed at your vet’s office. This type of test detects both stages FeLV.
- IFA tests must be sent to a diagnostic lab and test for secondary viremia only.
(www.lbah.com/feline/felv.html)

In the unfortunate event that your cat has positive test results and is diagnosed with FeLV or FIV, there are many things you can do to improve the health and prolong the life of your companion.

-Keep your cat indoors. Since your cat’s immune system will be much weaker, keeping them inside will prevent their exposure to bacteria and infections. It will also prevent them from spreading the virus to other cats in the neighborhood.

- Feed them a balanced and nutritious diet.
- Avoid uncooked foods like raw meat and other foods that have high bacteria and parasitic levels.
- See your vet frequently. It is important to monitor the status of your cat’s condition and make sure the virus is not progressing.
(www.felineleukemia.org)

Under good care, cats with FeLV or FIV can remain in good health for as many as months to multiple years.

It is very important to take every precaution in preventing FeLV and FIV in negative testing cats, especially if they have been in an environment where they could have been exposed to the virus. The best way to protect your cat is to prevent their exposure. You can do this by keeping your cat indoors. If you have an outdoor cat, provide a secured area that prevents the cat from wandering, and talk to your vet about the FeLV prevention vaccination. If you have an infected cat and an infection free cat, keep them separated. Do not allow them to share food and water dishes or a litter box.

If you haven’t already tested your outdoor cat for FeLV, consider contacting your vet. Be on the lookout for behavioral changes and symptoms. As mentioned before, avoiding exposure is the only sure way to prevent the virus from spreading, so take every precaution in keeping your cat safe.
If you have any questions, feel free to email ACHS at info@athenshumane.org.

Centennial Celebration

2010-10-21T09:31:00.002-04:00

By Kylie Whittaker

Athens County community members showed their love and support for the ACHS on Sat., Oct. 9, at the Centennial celebration. The Chinese auction was possible because due to the many generous donations from local businesses. The support of the community is vital to the ACHS organization, and we were thrilled to celebrate 100 years of service with our supporters.

"We were pleased to see so many of our supporters at the Centennial celebration,'' said ACHS President Arianna Rinaldi-Eichenberg. "Our top goals are to reduce pet overpopulation and find permanent homes for adoptable pets. We couldn't achieve that without their support.'' So far this year, ACHS has found permanent homes for 10 dogs and 60 cats, and through its low-cost spay/neuter clinics, ACHS has altered about 600 dogs and cats. To help low-income residents of Athens County afford the cost of spaying and neutering their animals, ACHS has provided about $8,000 in assistance.

Tables were lined with the items donated for the auction, including a basket filled with Donkey Coffee goodies, a $100 gift card to Raphael’s: An Aveda Concept Salon, and a hand drawn map of Athens from Lamborn’s Studio and Custom Framing, just to name a few. Zach Parkman played light acoustic music as guests decided which prizes to try their luck on.

Special thanks go out to the Athens Community Center for providing us with a great location, Minuteman Press for making our event tickets and programs, and advertisements, Bellavino for their wine donation, Heavens Oven for desserts, Zach Parkman for entertainment, and the rest of our generous sponsors and community members for helping us celebrate 100 years!

Calendar Contest

2010-10-12T10:15:00.004-04:00

Do your dogs smile when you say cheese? Do your cats stare at themselves in the mirror with admiration? ACHS is accepting entries for our 2011-2012 rescued pets calendar contest. All pets featured in the calendar must be rescued and currently living in Athens. To apply please send a picture of your dog or cat (in .jpeg format) along with a short biography of the pet to achscalendar@yahoo.com. There is a $10 non-refundable entry fee for each pet and $5 for each additional pet which can be donated by going to the ACHS website (www.athenshumane.petfinder.com) and clicking on the “Just Give” button in the “donate” section. Please write your last name along with the name of your pet and calendar contest in the ‘designate my donation’ section of the form. Entries will be accepted through Oct. 17^th at midnight. There is only one week left, so make sure you get your pictures in! Once we pick winners we will be sending our photographers out to get a high resolution picture of your pet, so make sure you are checking your email after the 17th. Please email achscalendar@yahoo.com with any questions.We can't wait to see your pets!

Adoption Spotlight: Daisy

2010-10-11T16:58:00.007-04:00

Daisy, Daisy give me your answer do.
I'm half crazy over my love for you.

What's not to love about Daisy? This lovable girl has been waiting patiently for some time for a forever home to appear. A German shepherd and terrier mix, Daisy is a dog who will do just about anything with you. Her Petfinder page lists some of her favorite activities: running, playing frisbee and snuggling.

Daisy is a high energy dog with a lot of love to give. Her owner was unable to keep her due to her larger than life personality: give her someone to love, and she'll love them more. Give her a job to do, and she'll do it well. Give her a game to play and she'll play it until she can't play anymore.

Daisy is intelligent and always on the lookout for new things to investigate and learn. She's been trained to follow some basic commands. Daisy is also housebroken and familiar with wireless fence systems. She loves going for walks - a task made easier with a halter (such as the Gentle Leader or Halti, pictured at left.)

Daisy needs a family to love her and a home where she's the center of attention. Daisy gets along fine with cats and does okay with dogs, although she'd be best in a single dog household or as one of two. She had a blast with the other dogs at the 2010 Athens County Humane Society Dog Swim. She does just fine with older kids.

Daisy is free from heartworms and is on preventative treatment. She has been spayed and is up to date on her shots. Her adoption fee has been donated and Best Pets Dog Training has graciously offered her new owners a training class.

If you're interested in Daisy, take some time and fill out an adoption application. Email the completed forms to info@athenshumane.org. One of our volunteers will speak with you as soon as possible. After filling out an adoption application, Daisy's foster parents and an Athens County Humane Society representative will work with you to schedule a home visit to ensure Daisy gets along with you, your other pets and family members.

Adopting Daisy is a big step - adopting any animal is. Here's a list of things to look over if you're considering bringing a new furry companion into your life.

Absolutely certain you'd like to adopt but not sure Daisy is the right dog for you? The Athens County Humane Society has plenty of dogs and cats listed on their Petfinder page. Check them out - there's someone for everyone!

Daisy at the Rescues and Runaways Fashion Show sponsored by Maurice's.

A Show of Paws: Who's Ready for Autumn?

2010-09-14T23:40:00.005-04:00

Image courtesy of Stock.xchng, copyright István Benedek.

Crisp leaves, apple cider, pumpkin pie and bonfires. The images that come to mind with the changing of the seasons is limitless. If you're a pet lover, chances are the colder weather brings to mind the thought of your beloved companion cuddled up on your lap or by your feet as the weather chills. The first fall days also bring a few notable safety tips for dogs and cats alike. Keep your companion animal safe and healthy by remembering a few key points.

Provide your pets with a warm space. While keeping your pets indoors is ideal, it isn't possible for every owner. If you have an outdoor feline, make sure he or she has access to a warm, enclosed space during colder weather - consider leaving your garage door open to provide access, if no other option exists. The same goes for your pooches, too. If, for some reason, keeping them indoors during inclement weather is unfeasible, make sure they have a warm enclosure that is sheltered from the elements and warm bedding.
Click here for plans to build a heated dog house!
The weather is growing colder. For animals exposed to the outdoors, this means their coats are growing thicker and they're gearing up for winter. More calories are consumed as animals with an eye for the outdoors ready themselves for the cold weather ahead. Don't be surprised if your pet has the need for extra energy and food, too, or at least if it seems that way after a lull in the feeding frenzy due to the warm weather of summer!
Learn more about a dog's energy requirements. Learn more about feeding your cat the right stuff.
If your dog primarily lives indoors, think about getting some cold weather gear. If the ground is too cold for you to touch without gloves on, it's probably too cold for your pup's paws. If you have a dog with a short or thin coat, or you engage in outdoor activities with your dog for extended periods of time in cold or wet weather, consider a doggie sweater. Your pet will thank you.
If you're handy with a pair of knitting needles or a crochet hook, use one of these patterns to make your pup something special: A Knit Dog Sweater pattern is fairly simple for knitters, while a crochet dog sweater pattern is ideal for "happy hookers."
Everyone wants to be indoors when it's cold, even your friendly neighborhood pests. Keep an eye out for scavengers seeking to dodge the chill, but keep an even closer eye on chemical toxins meant to control scavenger populations. Rat poison is incredibly toxic for dogs. Fall is the time of year when these toxins become more readily available: make sure Fido doesn't grab ahold of these potentially lethal items while you're not looking. And just because you don't use chemical poisons on your property doesn't mean your pet can't still get ahold of them: your neighbors may have rat poison or other toxins stashed where Fido or Fluffy has access to them.
Read more on rat poison and pets.
If you've been avoiding outdoor activity in favor of more climate-controlled options, the crisp fall weather is the perfect time to get back into the swing of things. Brush up on your dog's basic training before taking advantage of the weather. Going back to the basics is a good reminder for everyone.
Find out what the Humane Society of the United States has to say about dog training basics!
If you're a gardener, chances are you're gathering and planting bulbs that will grow and bloom in spring. Remember that some plants or even just some PARTS of plants are toxic to your companion animals. For example, tulip bulbs contain a toxin that causes stomach upset, drooling, loss of appetite, lethargy, heart problems, convulsions and central nervous system depression. Yikes! While your cat may think it's fun to help you in the garden, limit your pet's gardening "expertise" to plants that are pet-safe.
Take a gander at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' "Poison Control Center" plant database.
Watch out for those snakes. Autumn is a high activity time for these critters, and they may be a more easily excitable than other times of the year: they're preparing for a season of hibernation. Keep an eye out for slithery snakes in your backyard. Take the time to learn about a new species of wild friend or, for the less reptile-inclined, brush up on your pet first aid skills!
Click here to read more about the reptiles of Ohio or visit here to brush up on your first aid for pets.

Keep an eye on your child's school supplies. While a glue stick or pack of colored pencils may not look like a tasty treat in our eyes, your dog or cat may feel differently! While most typical school supplies are considered low-toxicity for both people and animals, these educational tools can still cause problems for our pets. If you suspect your pet has gotten ahold of your darling son or daughter's set of pens or wire notebook binding, call your vet. He or she can help you sort it all out and provide assistance if needed.
Click here for a list of veterinarians in and around Athens County.

I knew a mushroom once, he was a fun guy (fungi!). Fall is mushroom season all across the United States. While some people love nothing more than to go searching the woods for tasty edible treats, plenty of lethal mushrooms crop up on lawns, posing a threat to our furry friends. If you're unsure of what mushrooms you've got growing, don't chance it. Some of the most toxic 'shrooms are identical to the tasty ones!
Learn more about Ohio mushrooms here.

If you have a car enthusiast or do-it-yourself mechanic in the family, they may very well be changing the coolant in vehicles in preparation for dropping temperatures. Propylene glycol is touted as a safer car coolant than ethylene glycol - and it is, to a point. While ethylene glycol is more deadly to pets, propylene glycol coolants can still cause some problems. Encourage friends and family to dispose of coolants in a safe and sanctioned manner. Clean up spills promptly.
Learn more about pets and antifreeze poisoning here.

Take charge of your pet's health. While humans are worried about the flu and stomach bugs, the change in seasons may mean your dog feels a little bit under the weather, too. Make sure your pet is up to date on his or her vaccinations and discuss spaying or neutering with your veterinarian if you haven't already done so. It provides a number of benefits to your furry friend!
Click here to learn about the benefits of spaying or neutering your pet. Click here to find out more information on the Athens County Humane Society's low cost spay/neuter clinics.

Above all else, have a safe and happy autumn!

Adoption Spotlight: Jack and Fritz

2010-09-12T21:19:00.003-04:00

Note: In the interests of honesty, the author of this blog post may be a little bit biased in her description of these two cats...She's housing them!

This is Jack. Don't let the photos fool you - Jack is as rambunctious as they come. He's a gray and white male. He has been neutered and is up to date on all of his vaccinations. Jack is flea and worm free. Jack is convinced he's a tiger in a house cat's body. He is fearless and will attack bugs, string, laser pointers and furniture that steps out of line. He loves to explore and isn't phased by anything. He even runs with the two dogs in the household and has no problem playing with cats much bigger and older than he is. Jack is always on the go, but he's never too busy to curl up and take a cat nap or cuddle with you. He'll warm your toes and your heart.

This is Fritz. Fritz is a shy, quiet sweetheart. He's a black male who, when exposed to very bright sunlight, has subtle stripes of brown. Fritz has been neutered and is up to date on all of his vaccinations. He is flea and worm free. Fritz is the exact opposite of his brother - he's always ready for some loving downtime. He's a big cuddler and is always the first in line for kisses when his foster mummy comes home. Fritz is curious - he has a way of exploring the most curious places and tends to get stuck.

Jack and Fritz are brothers. They are just over four months old as of September 12. Even though they are brothers, they do not need to go to the same home. They can be adopted separately.

Both boys were part of a litter of feral cats, but you would never know it. Their mother did not survive, so both were raised by hand and were bottle fed when younger. Their initial rescuers could not keep them due to a conflict in the house - a dog presumed Fritz was a chew toy. He has suffered no lasting consequences.
Neither cat has problems interacting with cats, dogs, kittens, puppies and even babies. They were perfectly behaved even under the watch of a three year old.

To adopt Jack or Fritz, please contact their foster mother, Caitlin, DIRECTLY, rather than calling the Athens County Humane Society. She can be reached at 215-900-9490 or via e-mail at caitlin.seida@gmail.com.

Their Petfinder Page, courtesy of the Athens County Humane Society, is viewable here.

Not sure if you're ready to adopt a cat? Here's a list of things to think over before getting a pet.

Absolutely sure you want to adopt but don't think Jack or Fritz are for you? Check out the Athens County Humane Society's list of adoptable pets. There's someone for everyone.

How Much Is This Going to Cost?

2010-09-06T19:24:00.006-04:00

Image courtesy of http://www.sxc.hu/profile/bjearwicke
copyright Benjamin Earwicke under a Creative Commons License.

Spend any amount of time in a veterinary office an you're guaranteed to hear a question that makes most animal health professionals groan internally. The question, seemingly innocuous, is "How much is this going to cost?"

The problem lies not with the question itself - but how it is phrased. Suspend reality for a moment and imagine your dog or cat as a car. Would you bring a car to the mechanic for an unknown issue and ask for a price before the mechanic had a chance to assess what's wrong? In the same way, animal health professionals dread the question of price because they can't give you a solid figure without figuring out what's wrong - animals can't speak to humans with language, telling us exactly where it hurts and what type of pain it is. Neither can cars.

Both situations require more delicacy and expertise to find the cause of a problem than if, for example, a fully grown adult were to go to a clinic and ask to be seen for a sprained ankle. What appears to a caring, concerned owner as something minor may, in fact, turn out to be much more serious of an issue.

So what should you ask instead? If you're facing a medical emergency or are visiting your veterinarian for a specific problem, you should ideally be focused on the problem at hand and not the sometimes substantial cost incurred. The best time to inquire about the price of emergency medical care is NOT when an emergency arises, but during the times everything is okay.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals suggests owners of small dogs squirrel away about $210 every year for recurring medical costs. Medium dogs require slightly more in terms of monetary investment - about $235 a year. Large dogs cost an average of $260 a year in routine medical care, and cats generally cost a bit less to maintain - about $160 a year in routine medical costs.

Start up a small savings fund for your pet's care. Plan to spend between $160 and $260 a year on things like an annual wellness exam, routine vaccinations, heart-worm preventative and flea and tick preventative. And it's worth it in the long run - even the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) agrees that spending annual routine care costs cuts down on emergency care later. Maintaining a regular history with your vet ensures that, when routine blood work does come back with a problem or Fluffy really doesn't feel well, both you and your veterinarian are able to agree that something is not right and catch potentially life-threatening issues earlier than might otherwise be possible.

Sure, in a perfect world every animal would have adequate veterinary care. But again, it isn't a perfect world and problems arise. What about when the proverbial litter box scoopings REALLY hit the fan? It's a question that's hard to answer based on a lot of variables, making the question "how much is this going to cost?" just that much more frustrating.

Internet advice articles abound telling pet owners exactly how much to plan for in the event of an animal emergency. Like all good advice, you get what you pay for. Setting an arbitrary number is a good starting point, but isn't always accurate. Some website advise you to squirrel away as little as $1000, while others suggest you keep a rolling account, placing $25 aside and into that account every week, much like you would a child's college fund.

Out of the two options that seem to be favored among the Internet's armchair experts, the second is closer to the mark. $25 each week equals out to just over $1300 a year, enough to cover some, but not all, emergencies. Most animals never encounter an emergency each year, but you'll never know when one will hit. And the idea is to be prepared for when an emergency does occur.

The problem of the price knowledge gap comes, in part, because a lot of pet owner's don't understand the true cost of what goes into caring for their animal. There's always a base exam fee - the money a veterinarian charges just for you being in the office. This can be likened to the same fee you pay to see your doctor.

There will almost always be some form of diagnostic testing...Blood work, diagnostic examinations, urine or fecal testing and fluid analysis are just some of the types of testing used to figure out why FiFi keeps throwing up. Since FiFi can't tell us directly what's going on, the doctor needs the aid of these tools to see what exactly is happening.

Even something seemingly as innocuous as a blood draw has money associated with it that may not be readily apparent. The needle and collection tube may only cost the veterinarian about $7. Paying a skilled technician to make the blood draw as painless as possible might cost another $5. Add in a $5 glass slide manufactured to fit the clinic's blood analysis machine and the energy needed to run in-house lab equipment, and you're looking almost $30 or more.

If FiFi needs medication, there's a cost associated with that. The base price the medication costs the clinic might be $2 per pill. The veterinary clinic needs to maintain a very costly license in order to administer those pills. The veterinary technician has to count, bottle and label those pills specifically for your pet in a childproof container with the exact dosage instructions tailored to your needs - not just anyone can do that, even as simple as it seems. For a week's supply of medication that cost the clinic $14, you may be paying $25 or more to cover those very real and necessary costs.

And for those of you wondering why $4 generic medications similar to those at Wal-Mart don't exist for Fido? The manufacturer of the medications sends the drugs pre-packaged to the pharmacy in handy one-month supplies already in their own containers. All the pharmacist has to do is slap a label on...a task that takes less than five minutes on even the busiest of days. Wal-Mart actually loses money on those prescriptions. They're able to recoup it when you spend the next 30 minutes walking around waiting for your prescription to be filled, possibly buying things in the process.

So you've come to the clinic at 3 AM for an emergency. You're already paying a basic exam fee, diagnostic testing fees and any after-hours fees the veterinarian has to charge in order to wake up the entire team in order to treat your animal. The veterinarian then must decide, based upon the diagnostic procedures, what is wrong with your animal. And that's not always easy. Even the simplest things like heart rate can vary wildly among animals of the same species based on age, gender and size. This is why having a regular check-up is important: it establishes what's NORMAL for your individual pet.

And then, the vet has come to a diagnosis. What now? If Fifi needs immediate surgery to save her life, you're looking at some big fees - the money associated with putting Fifi under anesthesia, monitoring her while she's unconscious, the cost of keeping the surgical suite as free of germs as possible (which takes meticulous attention to even the smallest detail. Not only do most veterinarians wear sterile gloves, but also sterile gowns, masks and headgear. If those things come into contact with something un-sterile, they must be replaced for the sake of keeping Fifi as safe as possible. You may balk, but imagine the fit you would have if you caught your child's surgeon wiping his or her nose while taking out YOUR CHILD'S appendix!)

The surgery has gone well and Fifi is in recovery. More costs are incurred because the staff needs to keep an eye on Fifi to ensure she has a successful recovery - anesthesia stays in the body even after someone wakes up, and although the biggest danger is past, Fifi is still at a life-threatening stage.) Medication might be administered to deal with the pain or anxiety associated with surgery. Fluids might be needed, depending on what the issue is.

Are you tired yet? So are the staff. So is Fifi. Take every moment gut-wrenching emotion of fear and anxiety and multiply it by 100 and that's what the staff of the veterinary clinic has just undergone in a very short span of time. Ask yourself if you can put a price on the love, joy and happiness your pet gives you. If you can readily say what that price is, you may be better off investing in a pet rock or sculpture.

Some key points to remember:

Don't wait until an emergency happens to start planning for one. It's better safe than sorry and there is no such thing as "too soon." A health emergency can strike any animal of any age at any time. That's why they're emergencies.
Keep up with your pet's regular care. Prevention may not be the best cure, but it's the best way to detect possible emergencies before they occur.
Speak frankly to your veterinarian about how much he or she charges his or her clients as an after-hours emergency fee.
Ask for an estimate. A veterinarian can't provide you with a solid cost because even the veterinarian isn't sure what will be necessary until he or she finds out what is wrong. But most veterinarians should be able to provide you with an estimate to give you a basic idea of the costs involved with the visit.
Explore other options, such as pet health insurance, to help offset the cost of care for your companion animal.
Ask about alternate payment plans. If you're a client in good standing, your veterinarian may be able to work out a billing plan. Some veterinary offices also allow you to apply for a line of credit to help cover the cost of your pet's care.
If you truly cannot afford veterinary care in an emergency situation, the Humane Society of the United States offers a list of organizations that may be able to provide temporary financial aid.

Why Is My Cat Misbehaving?

2010-07-24T13:23:00.003-04:00

Many things can cause your cat to “misbehave,” a phrase I find ill-suited. No cat intentionally misbehaves – because cats can't communicate with us through words, they have to find other ways of stating their needs, wants, likes and dislikes.

Misbehavior such as urinating outside of the litter box, hissing, growling, scratching, biting, running away or any number of other behaviors deemed undesirable by pet owners are all communications from your cat that something is wrong.

And as the guardian and companion of that cat, when something is wrong, it's your duty to correct the issue to the best of your ability.

One of the first things you should examine when trying to determine the source of a cat's discontent is its physical health. Have there been any changes in your pet's routine? Is your cat eating or drinking enough? Is it eating or drinking too much? Is your cat refusing to eat altogether? Watch your pet's litter box behavior for excess urination or defecation, and conversely, too little urination or defecation. Are there changes in the color, consistency or texture of your cat's leavings? Are there any objects present in the urine or feces that shouldn't be there, such as blood, mucous or worms?

Any of these signs can indicate the presence of a health problem that needs to be addressed by a licensed veterinarian. Cats, like humans, act cranky when they don't feel well. A health problem can make your cat cry, scream, howl, growl, hiss, act unsociable, aggressive, lethargic or any number of things. If your cat has suddenly refused to stop using the litter box, it may have a urinary tract infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics. A list of veterinarians in the area is available here.

If your cat has been given a clean bill of health by a veterinarian, look at your cat's environment. Has there been a new addition to the family – another cat, dog or baby? These things are stressful for everyone involved, including your pet. Spend time with your cat to calm its nerves. When there's a new addition to the household, your cat may need a little extra attention.

I am the owner of two dogs and two cats, with a revolving door for cats in need – currently I have two kittens and a fully grown cat residing with me in need of homes. This leads to internal spats among the animals, and my own pets sometimes feel put out by the foster animals. Give more attention to your pets as needed. Attempts to run away, vocalizing more and aggression may result if your cat is stressed. Inappropriate urination or the destruction of property are also possible results.

Look around for any changes to the physical plant – are you remodeling your kitchen? Are people constantly coming and going? Is your sleep schedule erratic? Is there construction going on outside? All of these things can make a cat nervous. Create a routine and stick to it as much as possible. A good routine involves spending time with your cat – playing, grooming, cuddling or just talking to your cat can allay some of these stresses. You can't stop the construction going on outdoors, but you can certainly do your best to ease your cat while a temporary nuisance is occurring.

Speak to a behavioral specialist, if things don't improve. A behavior specialist is a person trained to help you get control of that nervous or fractious kitty. This isn't always possible due to financial, geographic or time constraints - the Internatonal Association of Animal Behavior Consultants does not list any specialists certified in cat behavior in a 100 mile radius of Athens, Ohio. This does not mean they don't exist - your veterinarian may be able to give you a referral to a specialist.

I've recently had to struggle with the issue of cat stress. My cat with the most tenure in the household, Pythagoras (Pi, for short), has had a nasty habit of trying to run away. He would wait by the door, trying to open it. He became quite adept at opening it, in fact – so much so that we had to start locking the door even if we were stepping outside to water the plants.

At first we figured he was trying to answer the call of feral cats in the neighborhood – the behavior started in spring, during prime mating season. But Pi is neutered. We figured to ourselves “He's neutered, not dead!” and wanted some kitty action. But the behavior continued and even worsened.

We'd recently added two foster kittens to the household. Even after amping up the quality time Pi received, the behavior continued. Pi has a clean bill of health and seeing a behavioral specialist is out of the question for us. I turned to alternative means to try and help Pi feel less stressed and more comfortable in his own home.

Bach Flower Essences has created a mixture termed Rescue Remedy. A naturopathic concoction, it can be sprayed in the atmosphere or administered in food or water. Knowing my cat, I knew this was not the way to go, but have seen it work wonders for animals recovering from traumatic and stressful situations, such as a spay and neuter clinic.

I turned my attentions to a product called Feliway. Feliway is a feline pheromone diffuser. The diffuser plugs into the wall and is equipped with a container of liquid that mimics calming feline pheromones. We have just one diffuser in our three bedroom house, in a central location that the cats must pass in order to get to their food, water and litter box. In under a week, the undesirable behaviors have stopped and the other cats in the household have shown more amiable dispositions as well.

Feliway isn't for everyone and won't cure every problem, but it does make a difference in cases where cat owners have run out of options. The diffuser itself runs an average of $25 while pheromone solution bottles and refills are in the range of $17, with one refill lasting one month. At a moderate cost that can provide some pretty hefty benefits, particularly in a multi-cat household, it's a small price to pay for a piece of mind and happier kitties.

No one solution will work for everyone, and feline behavior issues are complex, sometimes caused by more than one factor. For “misbehaving” cats, take a trip to the vet, examine your cat's behavior and the behavior of humans in your household, make note of any changes in the environment. speak to a behavioral specialist if possible and examine alternative and holistic options. Between all of these, your kitty should be back up to his or her playful self in no time at all.

Feel free to peruse these links for more information:
ASPCA: Ask the Virtual Pet Behaviorist: Aggression Between Cats in a Multi Cat Household

ASPCA: Ask the Virtual Pet Behaviorist: Compulsive Behavior in Cats

HSUS: Solving Litter Box Problems

HSUS: Cat Aggression Toward People

Pet Education from Drs. Foster and Smith: Causes of Stress in Cats

Image of Jack the kitten taken by Caitlin Seida, available for adoption. More information can be found on his page with the Athens County Humane Society.

Adoption Spotlight: Cassidy

2010-07-09T13:27:00.004-04:00

Butch Cassidy was an infamous Wild West bank and train robber. Cassidy is a beautiful tabby cat - the only thing he will steal is your heart. He loves people and has a sweet spot for ear rubs. Any love that gives Cassidy a reason to purr is good enough for him - and he loves to purr! Cassidy has bright, alert green eyes that stare at everything - searching for the next heart to steal.

Cassidy is living with 20 other cats right now. He's really looking to move out and find his "Fur"-ever home. Is that home with you and your family?

Cassidy is litter trained and neutered. All pets adopted from the Athens County Humane Society are tested for feline leukemia (FeLV) and treated for internal and external parasites before adoption - a worm and flea free cat. First vaccinations are given upon adoption.

The first step to take in adopting Cassidy is to fill out an adoption application and return it to the Athens County Humane Society. The document can be downloaded directly here. Return the completed application to info@athenshumane.org

Not sure if Cassidy is the cat for you? Take a look at one of our other adoptable pets - dogs, cats, kittens and puppies, each one looking for a home and a heart big enough to welcome them.

Make sure you're absolutely certain you can handle the responsibility of a pet - a pet is a commitment for the duration of that animal's life (typically between 8 and 20 years for a cat or dog!) A pet takes time, money, and resources. Quality time, exercise, food, water and proper veterinary care are all basic necessities that every animal needs and deserves. Emergency care, major life changes (marriage, moving, job changes, kids), natural disasters and more are things that you'll need to plan for - remember to include your pets in those plans!

You must be 21 years of age or older to adopt a pet from the Athens County Humane Society. There is a required donation for the adoption of animals from the ACHS that varies based on the pet's species and age. Some people balk at the price, but consider that these animals have been spayed, vaccinated and treated for parasites before adoption - basic veterinary care like that costs an average of $181 for cats in Athens, Ohio. Our cats are loved, lovable and a great bargain - a "free to a good home" cat requires the same care and money, perhaps more.

Remember to be patient when trying to adopt from the ACHS - we're an all volunteer organization with no paid employees. Someone will call you as soon as possible!

Adoption Spotlight: Razor

2010-07-02T01:18:00.004-04:00

Every cat has a story, and Razor is no exception. Razor was found bearing battle wounds from a fight with razor wire, hence her name.

Smart and tenacious, Razor is a special-needs cat who needs a home without other felines - she's positive for feline leukemia. She would also do well in a home with other FeLV positive cats. Despite her special needs, Razor is a healthy girl.

She's got a flexible tail that she can curl and uncurl seemingly at will. She loves to play and is curious about the world around her.

Do you or someone you know want to adopt this sweet, lonely little girl? If so, check out her page at the Athens County Humane Society website.

Before you adopt a cat, consider that a feline companion is a life-long commitment. Do you have the time, money (around $575 according to the ASPCA) and resources to handle a pet? This is particularly true of Razor, who will need special attention due to her FeLV positive status.

If you're interested in adopting Razor, check out the Athens County Humane Society adoption process.

If you aren't so keen on giving Razor her fur-ever home, but would like to see the other cats, kittens, dogs and puppies available for adoption through the Athens County Humane Society, check out the listing of adoptable pets. There's a furry companion to suit everyone's needs and wants, all of them waiting for that special someone to take them home.

Adoption Event This Saturday

2010-06-22T18:05:00.003-04:00

Shadow, one of the many cats available for adoption with the ACHS.

The Athens County Humane Society (ACHS) will hold it's monthly adoption event this weekend on Saturday, June 26 from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Market on State in Athens.

People will have the chance to meet and greet just some of the pets available for adoption through the Athens County Humane Society. These pets are waiting to find a good, forever home. Those wishing to adopt will be able to speak with Athens County Humane Society representatives at the event.

The adoption process includes an application and interview. If you are considering adopting a cat, you should have a secure cat carrier with you for transportation. The ACHS will not authorize the transportation of a cat from the event without a carrier. You must be 21 years of age or older to adopt an animal from the Athens County Humane Society.

There is also a fee associated with the adoption of animals from the Athens County Humane Society. The fee varies by animal. Dogs range between $100 and $150, depending upon the veterinary costs were incurred when they were surrendered to the organization. Adult cats aged 6 months or older have an adoption fee of $50, while kittens under six months cost $75 to adopt. The price may seem steep to some, but all animals adopted from the ACHS are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and treated for parasites (including fleas!) prior to adoption. A "free" kitten could easily run up a vet tab nearly triple the cost of adoption within the first week of ownership for the very same procedures.

Click here to read more about the financial responsibility associated with pet ownership and click here for a list of things to consider before adopting a new companion.

If you're absolutely certain you're ready to adopt, check out a list of adoptable pets available through the Athens County Humane Society. Even if they don't attend the event, these little guys and gals are looking for a "forever" home. Is it yours?

What To Do If You've Lost Your Pet

2010-06-20T14:27:00.001-04:00

Summertime is here and the cats are starting to roam. Whether they're searching for a mate (spay and neuter those pets, guys!), looking for adventure, or have escaped through an open window or door, warm weather brings an increase in missing pets.

There are some steps you should take right away if your pet has gone missing.

When you notice your pet is missing, talk to your family members or housemates. Ask them when they last saw the animal. If they saw the pet escape, ask which direction the critter ran off in.

Take a slow walk around your neighborhood. Have some tasty treats on hand to entice the animal out of hiding. Cats who run away from home are likely scared and hiding. Check spots where your pet could hide - basement windows, under cars, porches, shrubs, garages, under decks. Start searching at your house and spiral outward. Most animals can trot at a pace of 3 miles per hour. Cats are more likely to hide closer to home out of fear. Dogs may run all over town and come back hours later, muddy and tired but happy. Keep this in mind when searching for your pet.

Work those phones! Call the Athens County Dog Shelter, even if you have lost a cat. The Athens County Dog Shelter does not accept cats, but well meaning individuals might pick up your pet and drop it off. Ask the workers to give you a call if a pet of your description is brought in. Be sure to give them your phone number. You can reach the Athens County Dog Shelter at 740-593-5415. Stop by in person on Route 13 in Chauncey.

Call the veterinarians in Athens County and any vets in a neighboring county if you live close to the border of another county. Explain the situation and give them a description of your pet and your phone number. Ask them to call if your pet is brought to their practice as an injured stray or pet that someone plans to rehome.

Check with the local emergency vets. Animal Veterinary Emergency in Parkersburg and the Emergency Vet offices in Columbus are the only 24/7 critical care facilities in the area.

Call the Pooch Patrol at 740-593-6651, a radio bulletin broadcast on WATH and Power 105. They'll broadcast the details of your pet to local listeners.

Get to work placing lost and found ads in the local papers. The Athens Messenger can be reached at 740-592-6621 Ext. 231 or Ext. 233.

The Athens News can accept your lost ad via email at classified@athensnews.com, via fax at 740-592-5695 or by phone at 740-594-8219

If you have lost a pet in or around Glouster, consider calling the Morgan County Herald about placing a lost pet ad. They can be reached at 740-962-3377

Don't discount the power of the internet! Craigslist for Athens has a Lost/Found section under their "Community" category.

Make use of Facebook, Twitter and Myspace to reach friends and family members in your area to have them keep a lookout for your missing companion.

Make and post flyers reporting your pet lost. Cover a two to three mile radius. Include only the vital information and a photo, if possible. Make the phone number large enough that passing drivers can read the numbers. If the flyers are outdoors, place them in gallon plastic freezer bags to protect them from bad weather. Additionally, ask at local stores and establishments if you can place a flyer in their window. Be sure to remove the flyers once you've found your furry child! Give a flyer to your mail carrier and ask them to keep a look-out for you on their route. Mail carriers have a strenuous job and cover your neighborhood daily. Remember to thank your mail carrier for helping.

There are some steps you can take a little bit closer to home to ensure your pet can find its way back. Cats and dogs rely heavily on scent to navigate the world. While the T-shirt or pajamas you wore two days ago may not smell appealing to you, they smell LIKE you. And to a lost pet, that smell means HOME. Place a worn item of clothing outside your door to attract your pet home again.

For cats, it might be easier to find them during the peak hunting hours of dawn and dusk, when cats are most active and seeking food. Wait until it's quiet and go walking to find your kitty. Call your cats name, take a few steps, and wait for your cat to answer. Repeat these steps while walking in a spiral pattern from your house. If your cat is a sucker for treats, bring a bag of kitty treats and shake the bag every so often. If your area lacks adequate lighting, be sure to bring a flashlight to search dimly light hiding places or to get a closer look at any cats who answer your call.

Upon recovering your pet, take steps toward preventing future escapes. Cat-proof your windows and make sure visitors and family members know not to let Kitty outdoors when entering or exiting the premises.

Affix a collar with identification to your pet. Make sure the ID has your CURRENT name and phone number.

Consider getting your pet microchipped. Pets are scanned for microchips when brought to a shelter or veterinary practice. The information on the chip could be your pet's key to coming home.

Additional Reading on Finding a Lost Pet:

The Humane Society of the United States: What To Do If You Lose Your Pet

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: Finding a Lost Pet

AnimalPounds.com: Tips On Where Your Lost Pet Might Go

Missing Pet Partnership: Recovery Tips: Lost Cat Behavior

The Humane Society of the United States: High Technology: Identifying Lost Pets With Microchips

Dogs in the City

2010-05-19T20:22:00.000-04:00

Just because you don’t have a big yard does not mean you can’t adopt a loving pet. But there are some guidelines that you want to follow when choosing your apartment dwelling pooch. Certain types of dogs do better in apartment settings—adhering to these guidelines can help you have success when choosing the perfect companion.

Look for a low to medium energy dog. Examples of low energy dogs are Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, Whippets and most Terriers. Dogs with low energy levels don’t need extensive walks or workouts as long as they get sufficient exercise and are not overfed. This does not mean you get to leave your dog sitting around all day—but a walk around town or a quick romp in the park is enough for low energy dogs to be satisfied.

Medium energy dogs require more time and attention. Examples of medium energy dogs are Brittany Spaniels, Akitas, Boxers and Samoyeds. While these dogs are on the larger side—they adapt well to the city life with the proper care. These dogs are able to live in good-sized apartments but they must be taken on long walks and given lots of exercise.

Toy breeds are also good—while they do have high energy they are small enough that they don’t need a lot of space to get the exercise they need. Now remember that your apartment pup can be any combination of these breeds and many more –mutts make just as good companions and normally lack the genetic defects of purebreds.

Training is also very important for having an apartment dog. And not just your basic sit, stay and roll over. In order for dogs to peacefully coexist in the city it is important for them to be very well trained on a leash. You and others around you don’t want your dog pulling you all over the crowded streets. Also you need to teach your beloved pet some noise control. You and your neighbors will be happier when your doggy uses his indoor voice.

The third most important thing to train your dog is by far the hardest. You have to teach your pup to be comfortable being alone. It can seem harsh but your dog will most likely be stuck in the apartment when you are working and you want to make the situation as free of stress as possible. The best way to train a young dog to be alone is crate training. Crate training is excellent for dogs because it gives them a safe place to be when you are not home and it also gives them a place to go and relax on their own even when you are home. Crate training must be done properly—the Humane Society offers an entire tutorial on how to properly crate train.

If you dream of having your canine companion by your side in the big city, it is possible. But remember that in order to make the experience enjoyable, it must be done right.

By Sarah Holt, ImPRessions

Moving or Relocating?

2010-05-06T22:19:00.003-04:00

If you are looking for a new place to live, and you have pets, make sure you find a place that allows pets and does not require declawing for cats (this is a very inhumane surgery). Your pet has come to love you and depend upon you, it only makes sense to live in a place where they are welcome. Have you ever seen a video of a dog welcoming his owner back from Iraq? When you watch that video, think about all the pets that are given up by their owners and how much they must miss them. When you adopted a pet, you took on a major responsibility and it shouldn’t be taken lightly.

If you decide that you are simply unable to keep your pet, start looking for a new home with plenty of time to spare. Good homes are not found over night. When looking for a new home for your pet make sure to talk to the adopter about their plans for the future and try to place your pet in a forever home so they are not bounced around for the rest of their lives. Ask questions so that a good match can be made. Do not give pets away for free. There is a group of people, called Class B Dealers, who gather free animals and then sell them to research facilities. This happens all over Ohio and throughout the country. We cannot stress enough that you need to be careful of where you send your pet. Please visit http://www.petrescue.com/petlibrary for information and resources to help you.

Turning your pets loose to fend for themselves in the streets should NEVER be an option. Many cats and dogs left on country roads and in town, die a long and painful death of starvation. Cats and dogs are run off by people who do not want to take on the responsibility of another pet. Many are hit by cars and many in the country are shot. This can all be avoided by finding a loving home for your pet or taking dogs to the dog shelter to give them a fighting chance at a new home.

The Athens County Humane Society can assist people with finding new homes for your pets. Placements cannot be made overnight so be sure to contact us early. Some guidelines are in place and a small donation may be requested for our assistance. We will interview all potential adopters and give them exposure on Petfinder.com and other advertising.

Finally remember that pets are a part of the family and they depend on YOU. So take care of them, love them, and cherish them and they will bring you happiness for years to come.

by Briana Simmons, ImPRessions

Pet Safety in the Summer!

2010-04-28T12:00:00.000-04:00

Summer time equals late nights, barbeques, lemonade, and bonfires – oh, and a walk with your dog! When the weather begins to get warmer, your dog is anxious to be out and play. However, there are situations that arise in the summer months that you may want to stay clear of. Here are ten helpful tips to keep your dog safe this summer.

1. Make sure your pet is wearing an identification collar or tag just in case he wanders off.

2. Make sure your dog is on heartworm prevention medication. Heartworm is carried by mosquitoes, is deadly to pets and is expensive to treat.

3. Do not leave your dog in the car. The heat can be fatal to both dogs and cats.

4. Provide plenty of water and shade for your pets so they can stay cool.

5. Exercise with your dog in the early morning or late at night. Dogs can get sunburned too!

6. Don’t take your pet to events with crowds of people and the summer heat. They may become stressed.

7. Don’t let your dog ride in the pack of a pickup truck. This is extremely dangerous and may be life threatening for your pet.

8. Don’t leave your dog unattained by a pool – not all dogs are good swimmers.

9. For certain breeds, a shorter summer haircut can prevent overheating.

10. Do not offer pets food or drink, especially alcohol. It may cause intoxication, depression, and even a coma.

Remember to follow these and other tips this summer. We all want to keep our furry friends safe!

By Sienna Tomko, ImPRessions

Bark For Life and Puppy Mill Awareness Week

2010-04-26T20:14:00.000-04:00

On Sunday, April 18, the Athens County Humane Society participated in Bark for Life, a relay benefiting the American Cancer Society. The Bark for Life committee allowed all adoptable ACHS dogs to walk free of charge. Stuart, Bonnie, Speck and Mister represented ACHS, sporting “Adopt me” bandannas during the walk.

All of the dogs did extremely well and were given the chance to become more socialized with the other dogs involved in the walk. Representatives of ACHS were able to hand out information about puppy mills and the Bark for Life committee collected donations of dog food on behalf of the Humane Society.

The Humane Society also had Puppy Mill Awareness week. Tables were set up at College Gate with information about puppy mills and the adoptable dogs available. Some of the adoptable dogs also made an appearance. We were able to hand out a lot of information and hopefully reached a lot of people about the horrors of puppy mills.

By Brittany Lambert, ImPRessions

Puppy Mill Awareness Week

2010-04-12T23:17:00.001-04:00

The Athens County Humane Society is hosting Puppy Mill Awareness at College Gate this Tuesday, April 13 and Wednesday, April 14. Stop by from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to see the adorable pups up for adoption and learn how to support reputable breeders who raise dogs into healthy, happy and loving pets.

While visiting with the puppies, you can also pick up a free snack, check out the t-shirts for sale, and talk with the ACHS volunteers, who are happy to answer any questions you may have. Along with the information provided by ACHS, we encourage you to further your research on puppy mills and see why the issue is important to animal-lovers and animal-rights activists alike.

According to the United States Humane Society, an estimated 10,000 puppy mills may be operating in the U.S. today. These puppy factories are interested in producing a large quantity of dogs with the least amount of money. The quality and well being of the dogs is not a priority. Puppy mills mass produce dogs with interbreeding and over-breeding, and the dogs often receive inadequate care and little or no socialization.

Puppies from puppy mills are usually sold to pet shops and bought by people who are unaware of their new puppy’s upbringing. Due to the inhumane breeding practices, the puppies are often infected with hereditary diseases that require intense medical care and result in a short lifespan.

The puppies can also be affected with personality disorders from the neglect and abuse they received in the puppy mills. It is difficult for them to socialize and develop loving relationships with their owners. Even if puppies are sometimes healthy, parent dogs are kept in very inhumane conditons.

There are many ways to help stop the expansion and influence of puppy mills in the dog-breeding market. From Puppy Mill Awareness you will learn how to actively oppose puppy mills and support trustworthy breeders who take pride in the quality of their dogs. Help your furry-friends by attending Puppy Mill Awareness and spreading the word about puppy mills to all your family and friends!

By Merete Kenworthy

Check Out Our Puppy Mill Awareness Tables!

2010-04-09T21:30:00.000-04:00

THE ATHENS COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY
HOSTS PUPPY MILL AWARENESS TABLES APRIL 13 & 14

Spring-time means that many people will be flocking to their local pet store to buy a puppy. What most people are unaware of is that 90% of puppies bought at pet stores are from puppy mills. In order to stop students before unknowingly buying puppy mill puppies Athens County Humane Society will be hosting Puppy Mill Awareness tables on campus April 13 & 14.
Informational tables will be located at College Gate April 13 and 14 from 10AM-3PM. Free cookies and adoptable dogs will be there too!
Ohio ranks among the top seven states in the country with the highest number of USDA "Class A" licensed commercial breeders. Puppy mills can be anything from a shack to building where dogs are kept 24 hours a day in confined, unhealthy cages. The dogs are there for one purpose, to breed the cute puppies you see in pet stores across America. The sweet faces you see behind the glass in pet stores have probably never felt grass on their feet and have often received no pet care. Puppy mill owners have even been known to shoot dogs instead of taking them for vet care.
The responsibility of pet ownership begins before you ever adopt or purchase your dog. Information is power and ACHS hopes to reach a new audience this spring and help thousands of dogs live better lives. If the demand for puppy mill puppies alleviates, thousands of parent dogs will be freed from a life of torture.
Educating consumers about the harsh cruelties of puppy mills will bring more power to the fight to stop the cycle of abuse. www.stoppuppymills.org

Spay Day was a success

2010-03-06T11:05:00.001-05:00

In honor of the 16th annual “Spay Day,” the student run Public Relations (PR) firm put on “Spay Week”, to help raise awareness about spaying and neutering pets. The events put on during “Spay Week” were quite successful! On Monday February 22, 2010, awareness was raised through tables set up on the first floor of Baker. We were able to tell people passing by about the importance of spaying and neutering their pets. Many people got a kick out of the t-shirts that were being sold with sayings such as… “I got my dog neutered cause my balls are big enough for the both of us,” and “You would neuter your boyfriend if he were having sex with everyone in the neighborhood.”

On Wednesday, February 24, 2010, members of the PR team for the Humane Society served tables at the Red Brick Sports Pub. In the three hours that we served we were able to raise $239.55 for the ACHS. We also had a table set up with t-shirts for sale and information about animal adoptions and “Spay Day.” During the event the 6 ladies that served tables wore t-shirts with a graphic of a kitten on them that said NYMPHO She just can’t help herself but you can, each year nearly 5 million healthy animals are euthanized in the U.S. Be a part of the solution, spay and neuter your pets! The t-shirts were a great conversation starter, and they were an excellent aid in helping ACHS to spread the word, and get tips!

Once again Thank you to all of you that helped to make spay week a success. Finally, as Bob Barker always says, “Reminding you to help control the pet population, have your pet spayed or neutered.”

Briana Simmons, ImPRessions Account Member
Athens County Humane Society

Adopted Pet Update: Frankie Franks

2010-03-03T20:49:00.001-05:00

Below is an interview with Kristin Franks about her adoption of Frankie through the Athens County Humane Society.

When did you adopt Frankie?

We adopted Frankie on October 27, 2009

How old is Frankie?

We think he is about 2 years old right now

What type of dog is he?

We aren’t sure what type of dog he is—he’s a mix—but he looks like a boxer and the vet says maybe he has a bit of beagle in him, too. Whatever he is, he’s super cute—so much so that while walking him we frequently get stopped by people complimenting him on how handsome he is!

How did Frankie become an adoptable Athens County Humane Society dog?

We don’t know if he ran away or was dumped, but he was found in the countryside outside of Athens in July. Other than being a bit emaciated, he was ok, and the man that found him fostered him for about four months.

How did you hear about adopting Frankie?

We actually heard about Frankie through Facebook. He was scheduled to be put down on a Sunday because no one had adopted him. On the Thursday before that deadline, a friend of mine posted his picture on Facebook and explained his plight. I just happened to see it, and I felt so bad that such a cute dog would be killed, so my husband and I agreed to meet him just to see if we might want to adopt him.

Though we had talked about getting a dog for years, we thought that if we met Frankie and he was the type of dog we always talked about getting we’d adopt him. And, of course, he was just the sweetest, cutest thing, and he had just the temperament we liked, and he was the perfect size, and we both fell in love with him. So, we started the adoption process that day, and by Tuesday of the next week, he was ours.

Was the adoption process easy?

The adoption process was very easy, and the people at ACHS, especially Shelley Lieberman, were great at accommodating our needs.

Would you recommend adopting through the ACHS to friends/family?

I definitely would recommend adopting through ACHS—it just doesn’t make sense to buy a puppy when there are so many good, kind dogs out there that are abandoned and just looking for a home and someone to love them.

Overall, was adopting Frankie a rewarding experience?

Having Frankie has been very rewarding. Not only do we feel great that we saved his life, so to speak, but he is a constant joy and I love taking him on long walks and playing with him.

Today, Frankie is doing just fine and has adapted to his home incredibly well. We’d like the thank Kristin and Kyle for sharing their story and adopting Frankie.

Spay Day Week

2010-02-24T16:46:00.000-05:00

The Athens Humane Society is proud to introduce Spay Day Week! One day is respectable, but think of what can be accomplished in a whole week! This we give to you, animals. And we also give it to those of you who love causes like the Humane Society, but happen to be busy on Tuesday (the official Spay Day).

Spay Day Week’s activities start Monday, February 22nd, bright and early (well, bright at the very least) with a table set up on the first floor of Baker. We will be giving out free hot chocolate (although, donations will be very appreciated), selling t-shirts for $15 (see the picture below), and answering any and all questions that you have about the organization and how to get involved. We will be there from 10am to 5pm, so be sure to drop by. Try to remember that even the smallest amount can go so far! Whether ten dollars or twenty-five cents, it is all useful and beneficial. Sacrificing that morning coffee may help change an animal’s life, so remember that it is definitely worth it.

Another big event for the week is happening Wednesday, February 24th. Go to Red Brick Sports Pub from 6-9pm and support our girls who are trading their Public Relations suits for waitress aprons for the night. In order for us to keep the donations we need to make a good deal in tips, so dig deep into those pockets and share the puppy (and kitten) love!

Happy Spay Day Week to all!

-Hannah Meiser: Athens Humane Society Account Member

Winter Pet Care

2010-02-01T00:47:00.001-05:00

With this winter already being colder than the past few years, it’s important to keep your pets happy and warm inside and out. Here are some of the tips the American Veterinary Medical Association suggest:

Housing:
It is best to keep pets indoors during the winter months, but if this is not possible, outdoor pets must be provided with shelter. Their home should be elevated off the ground to prevent moisture accumulation and have a door of some kind to keep out winter winds, sleet, and snow. Shelters should be insulated or heated. Water sources may be heated to permit constant access to unfrozen water; thermal units designed specifically for this purpose are readily available. Outdoor pets require extra calories to keep warm. Feed your pet according to its needs when the temperature drops. In severely cold or inclement weather, no pet should be kept outside. Indoor pets should have sleeping quarters in a draft-free, warm area with their bed or mattress elevated slightly off the floor.

Roaming cats:
Roaming cats, as well as house pets and wildlife, may climb onto vehicle engines for warmth during cold weather. Be sure to check under the hood before starting your vehicle and honk the horn to startle any animals seeking shelter inside.

Frostbite and snow removal salt:
Snow and salt should be removed from your pets paws immediately. Frostbitten skin is red or gray and may slough. Apply warm, moist towels to thaw out frostbitten areas slowly until the skin appears flushed. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for further care. Snow removal products should be stored out of the reach of pets and small children as their toxicity varies considerably.

Low toxicity -- poinsettia leaves/stems; balsam/pine/cedar/fir; angel hair (spun glass); snow sprays/snow flock; super glue; styrofoam; icicles (tinsel); and crayons/paints.

Moderate toxicity -- fireplace colors/salts; plastic model cement Moderate to high toxicity holly berries and leaves; bubbling lights (methylene chloride); snow scenes (may contain salmonella); aftershaves/perfumes/alcoholic beverages; and chocolate (dark is more toxic than milk).

Highly toxic -- mistletoe (especially berries); expoxy adhesives; and antifreeze. Please note that some items have special problems. For example, whereas angel hair is usually considered to be of low toxicity, it can irritate eyes, skin, and the gastrointestinal tract; and chocolate, of any type, should never be given to a pet. Antifreeze deserves special mention because even a very small amount can be rapidly fatal to pets.

Remember to check out our Facebook page and our Facebook fan page for further updates!

Cleo Stoll – Athens Humane Society Account Member

Holiday Festivities with the ACHS

2009-11-25T20:19:00.000-05:00

This week begins the holiday season, and leading the pack is Thanksgiving, followed by Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Solstice, Yule, and New Year's. And it's always wonderful to get your pets in on the celebrations, as well as some safety tips to keep in mind for the upcoming holiday celebrations.

Coming up on December 9th is our "Santa Clause and Paws" event. For a $10 minimum donation, you and your beloved pet can get your photos taken with Santa Clause. You will recieve a four inch by six inch photo in a special holiday folder. This event runs from 4 PM to 8 PM at the Market on State Street (formerly the University Mall) in Athens.

All pets must be up to date on their vaccinations and properly contained under their owner's control by leash or carrier. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets, otherwise they will be placed on Santa's "Naughty" list and have to deal with a present far worse than coal.

There is nothing better about the holidays (aside, of course, from our Clause and Paws event!) than food. With very few exceptions, holidays are the time to indulge in some of the most luxuriously spiced and seasoned foods of the year. But these foods can also lead to illness when given to pets.

Avoid giving table scraps to your pets, and discourage guests from doing so. These scraps, particularly the high seasoning and fat content, can cause vomiting, diarrhea and in some cases, inflammation of the pancreas, also called pancreatitis. This is a life threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.

But don't think it's just the meat that's a problem. Turkey bones, and all poultry bones, can easily splinter and cause throat or bowel perforations. Double bag the bones and keep them out of reach of your pets. If wild animals or neglected animals frequently raid your trash, avoid placing scraps and bones out until trash day, or consider chaining and locking your trash can lids to discourage these animals from coming to harm.

Those of us with dogs (and some particularly lanky and intrepid cats) may be familiar with the sport known as "Counter Surfing". Be aware that your animals cannot resist the call of holiday food any more than your Great Aunt Margaret. Keep an eye on them, and keep your scraps out of access, and you'll be fine.

Avoid allowing your animals to ingest alcoholic drinks. This may seem like a no-brainer, but to a cat egg nog can seem like a special treat just for them, and it takes only a moment before they are lapping away at it. Animals' livers do not work in the same way the human liver does, and allowing your animal to drink even a small bit of alcohol can cause some serious harm.

This isn't to say you can't let your animals in on the food festivities, though. Place a dollop of packed pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling) on top of their food. They will love you for it!

Have a safe, happy holiday season! We hope to see you at our Santa Clause and Paws event!

Puppy Mill Awareness Week Was A Success!

2009-11-03T15:34:00.001-05:00

The Athens County Humane Society has had quite a successful week full of Puppy Mill awareness! With the help of generous volunteers, the ACHS was able to spread awareness all around Ohio University’s campus and throughout the Athens city community.

The week started off with two days at College Gate, just outside of College Green on Ohio University’s campus. At this location, there was a table full of information on puppy mills, t-shirts for sale, and treats for dogs and for humans! Probably the best part were the dogs and cats on hand to give students the opportunity to actually see the animals that the ACHS fosters and puts up for adoption. A couple of the dogs wore costumes for Halloween, and definitely sidetracked many students from getting to class on time! In addition to gaining knowledge about puppy mills, a few people picked up adoption applications, and many asked on ways to volunteer. The Messenger picked up the story, as well as WOUB, further spreading the information about puppy mills.

The week wrapped up with an event at Donkey Coffee, collaborating with Open Mic Night on Thursday. After a slight scare with a couple bands cancelling, the coffee shop quickly filled up around 9:30pm and by 10pm it was packed! The ImPRessions account for the Athens County Humane Society stood up in between the acts to give some facts about puppy mills and ways everyone can help the cause. A band even sang a song about the brutalities of puppy mills, and other ways people can help with animal rights. Everyone that attended was very open to the information, and the group left well informed. The Donkey staff was very welcoming and receptive to holding future events there…so look out for that!

Overall, Puppy Mill Awareness Week was a definite success and everyone that was involved made a great effort to get the information out to the public. Keep checking for updates about future events held by ACHS and ImPRessions!

Don’t forget to become a fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! (AthensCountyHS)

Rachel Csaszar- Athens County Humane Society ImPRessions Account member

Puppy Mill Awareness Week 2009

2009-10-21T15:02:00.001-04:00

As we enter the later half of the 2009 Fall quarter, the ImPRessions Athens Humane Society Account is making positive strides in its first year as an established account. Teaming up with Humane Society Vice President, Shelley Lieberman, our members have been working hard to promote the upcoming Puppy Mill Awareness Week both on campus and in the Athens Community.

We will kick things off on Monday October 26 and Tuesday October 27 with free bundles of animal crackers and fliers containing must-read information regarding puppy mills. At this promotional event, which will take place at College Gate, we will be joined by a few of our four-legged friends from the Humane Society. Promotional T-shirts will also be available for $15 each. Donations will be greatly appreciated, however our main focus is to get the information out to the public!

On Thursday, October 29^th, we invite you to Donkey Coffee at 9pm for Open-Mic night as we wrap up Puppy Mill Awareness Week and listen to local music. We are very thankful to everyone at Donkey to be able to partner up and promote our cause with one of our campus’ popular gathering places. Our goal is not only to gain support from our fellow students, but from local names and businesses on and around Ohio University’s campus as well.

Housing a pet in college is a fun idea that most upperclassmen look forward to when they make the switch form dorm life to off campus living. However, what most people may not be aware of is the unfortunate existence of puppy mills and what really goes on in the mass breeding of animals. This will be our account’s first big event and we look forward to maintaining the positive reputation of both our organization and the Athens County Humane Society.

Eamonn Reynolds- Athens County Humane Society Account

Featured Pet of the Week: Feisty

2009-10-06T00:24:00.000-04:00

If these piercing eyes of this gorgeous girl don't suck you in, I don't know what will! Feisty is a beautiful girl who is looking for a forever home. Are you the one who can provide it to her? If you're interested, please fill out our adoption questionnaire here. Sure you want a companion but not sure Feisty is the one for you? Check out our other adoptable animals.

Before you think of adopting an animal, please consider these things. It can be a lot of work (but in the end, it is ENTIRELY worth it!)

Featured Pet of the Week: Bubbles

2009-09-14T01:33:00.000-04:00

How can this sweet little guy have gone so long without finding a forever home? I can't believe it! Look at the face! Look at the expression, the fur, the beauty that is BUBBLES. Bubbles is a young orange and white male tabby cat. He started off life with a rough and tumble go...he had health problems and some neglectful owners, but he's bouncing back. His name reflects his personality quite well. He's friendly and loving. He enjoys the company of other cats, but he's a bit shy. Approach him the wrong way and he may drift away like his namesake. Give him all the love he needs and he might just POP! Bubbles is a lover, and a friend. Are you interested in adopting Bubbles? Check out the process and paperwork. Not sure you're ready? Here are some things to consider.

Sure you want to adopt, but not sure Bubbles is the right one for you? Check out our list of adoptable animals.

Black Cat Superstitions

2009-09-12T14:12:00.000-04:00

Ikea

The first, crisp hint of fall is in the air. Maybe it's the cool nights, or the subtle autumnal turning of the leaves. Maybe it's the scent of woodsmoke, or the feeling in the air that means that fall is not too far away. And with Autumn comes a time filled with legend, superstition, and myth - Halloween.

One of these superstitions is incredibly prevalent, and often misunderstood - the icon of the black cat. It is often hard to adopt out black cats and kittens due to superstitions held by people. But did you know that not all superstitions about black cats are negative?

That's right. Many have heard the saying that if a black cat crosses your path, bad luck will befall you, or illness, or perhaps even death. The same has been said about white cats in other cultures, particularly Asian cultures, where the white cat is considered to hold the same properties in legend and lore.

The superstition surrounding the ill luck of black cats is relatively recent - arising in western Europe during the middle ages. With stories and rumors of "witches" abounding the countryside, epidemics like the plague, and general financial worries, the black cat was made a scapegoat. Many locales tried to eradicate cats completely from their area, for fear that they were witches in disguise, harbingers of ill luck, or worse, carriers of the Black Plague.

Some areas of the world and some cultures still cling true to these superstitions, and unrightly so. Did you know that some cultures hold the black cat as an omen of good luck?

For example, there is a Celtic superstition that says a strange black cat showing up on your doorstep will bring prosperity and wealth, so long as it is cared for.

In Latvia, a small eastern European country bordering on the Baltic sea, black cats were said to be the spirit of Rungis, a god of harvests. Upon finding one in their barns or silos, joy was to be beheld, for it meant a well and prosperous harvest for the year.

Across the world, fishermen's wives would keep a black cat in the home to ensure no harm would come to their husbands while at sea.

Take a moment to visit Ball.

The theater world has two specific traditions concerning black cats. If a black cat were in the audience on the opening night of a performance, things would go smoothly. Many theaters had black cats in their employ, ensuring them good luck all around, so long as the cat was properly cared for by the cast and crew of that theater.

Southern France has the right idea, I think. They call their cats "matagots" or "Magician cats". They bring good luck to their owners, but only those owners who feed them well, treat them kindly, and give them the respect and love they would accord to a family member.

Have a look at Phoebe!

In the midlands of England, a black cat is thought to be a good omen for marriage. If a black cat is in the house where a young girl resides, she will find many a young many interested. A black cat gotten at the start of a marriage ensures a prosperous and happy one. If a loose white hair is found upon a black cat, groom it out, and keep it, for it is a sign you will find true love.

There are, of course, other myths associated with cats of non-specific coloring. The ancient Egyptians believed that the rays of the sun were entrusted into the eyes of the cat for safekeeping. The creation of cats was said to come about when Noah's ark was infested by rats. He asked a lion to sneeze, and out popped a cat!

But perhaps there is an inkling (pun intended) of truth to the legend that black cats bring good luck. King Charles I of England protected his black feline fiercely, believing his companion brought him luck and protection. The day after the cat died of natural causes, Charles I was arrested by Oliver Cromwell, and shortly thereafter King Charles was taken to the scaffold and beheaded.

Take a moment to visit Cindy Loo.

Featured Pet of the Week: Bella

2009-09-06T21:26:00.000-04:00

Bella! Bellisima! Bella is a name that means "Beautiful" in Italian. Bella is as gorgeous and loving as they come. Bella is beautiful in her own unique and special way. Bella is just a baby girl with tortiseshell coloring.

When Bella was younger, her owners failed to treat her for an upper respiratory infection. Her "third" eyelid" has attached to her cornea. She is not in any pain, but Bella has a very unique look for sure. Bella does not need any special care or treatment - she is as rambunctious and loving as a kitten should be. Her world appears as though she's looking through plastic, and needs an owner who can understand that beauty comes in all forms - not just classical beauty.

Bella's favorite activities include cuddling and playing, and she is looking for a home that can provide all of these things and more.

Bella her siblings Susie Q & Kong, who was featured in a week past, can be visited most days at White's Mill btwn 8am-5pm. Call to be sure they are there, area code seven four zero 592.1521

The first step to adoption is to return to us the adoption questionnaire.

There are some things to consider before adopting, and a list of these things can be found here.

Sure you want someone in your life, but not sure Bella is a good match for you? Check out our other adoptable animals and see if you can give one of them a loving spot in your home and heart.

Your Groceries Can Help.....

2009-09-05T12:16:00.000-04:00

Well, not your groceries directly. If you are one of the many people in the local area who shops at Krogers, you can directly help the animals that the Athens County Humane Society assists. It doesn't cost you a dime of your money or Kroger Fuel Rewards, and only takes a minute or so to sign up for.

You can enroll online in the Kroger Community Rewards Program and help the Athens County
Humane Society raise money for the animals with your Kroger Plus Card. Every time you use your card in conjunction with a purchase of food or gas, the Athens County Humane Society benefits from it.

To enroll, follow these easy steps.
1. Visit www.krogercommunityrewards.com

2. Register for a Kroger account

3. Join the rewards program with your Kroger Plus Card
(Three easy steps)

4. Enter the "Athens County Humane Society" under
Organization Name (NPO Code will be 80074)

5. Spend, Swipe and Save...the animals!!

The money earned goes towards the low cost spay and neuter clinics that we hold every month, as well as the adoption of animals within the county. Tell your friends, tell your family!

Spay and Neuter Registration

2009-09-03T01:12:00.001-04:00

Our next spay and neuter registration date will be September 3rd from 5-6 PM at the Market on State (Formerly the University Mall) in Athens.

Spay and neuter services are already extremely low cost, and are available to residents of Athens county as well as the surrounding counties. In addition to this, there is a low-income program to help residents of Athens County spay or neuter their animals at an even lower cost. Qualifications for the low-income assistance program can be found here.

When registering your animal(s), you will need to bring a valid photo ID or driver's license, as well as the payment. Costs are listed on the website above, as well as what types of documentation are acceptable as proof of low income.

Please bring your ID, a photocopy of your low-income paperwork, and the required payment in cash. Unfortunately we cannot accept methods of payment other than cash.

You do NOT need to bring your pets to the registration. You will receive details on the time and date of your pet's appointment after registering.

Not sure why you should spay or neuter your pets? Read up on the myths and facts of spay/neuter.

Want to hear it from a cat's point of view (as told by the characters from the Lion King)? Click here.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Sharing is Caring

2009-09-03T01:02:00.000-04:00

I was on my way out of Nelsonville this evening for a night on the town. While my husband and I stopped to refill our gas tank, I had the pleasure of overhearing an amazing conversation between two people at the pumps. A man had a dog with him, a little boxer with a cast on his leg. This man and his dog had just gotten back from a veterinary appointment, and the man had acquired the dog that very day.

From what I gather, the dog had been laying on the road in Lancaster, and had been hit by a car and was in a large amount of pain. No one nearby seemed to know who the dog belonged to, or why the dog would have been in the middle of a non-residential area in the middle of a very busy road. The man, who had not been looking for a dog, contacted an organization local to Lancaster, Forgotten 4Paws, to help with emergency vet care. They helped out, and the man now has a new member of his family who is only a little worse for wear. The entire time the story was being told, the dog, who from what I heard was howling in agony mere hours ago, was happily licking his new owner's face, and giving all the love he had to give. The man couldn't have seemed more pleased.

As a silent observer to all of this, I couldn't help but smile. Not only was I smiling to hear that someone had lent a hand to an animal in need, when many had already passed by, but smiling to see the reactions of those other people at the gas station who were listening to the story. It warmed my heart to hear that, yes, there are still people who would give up a day to help out for what could be a lifetime.

Similar to this, a letter was published in the Athens News on Monday thanking Donkey Coffee of Athens for helping out with the feral felines, Jolene, Anna, and Andy. Jolene is still looking for a new home, and we're surprised that no one has shown interest in her yet. She's a quiet, docile companion who is fiercely independent and timidly loving. Hopefully someone will fall in love with Jolene. It is also my hope that more businesses will take a cue from Donkey and lend a hand to some of the animals in the county.

Featured Pet of the Week: Ikea

2009-08-29T23:36:00.000-04:00

It may be August now, but October is rapidly approaching. Wouldn't you love to welcome a Halloween cat into your home? Ikea is a beautiful black cat. Contrary to popular myths and superstitions, she won't bring you bad luck -- only love and affection! Can you give the same to her?

Ikea is currently an indoor/outdoor cat, and I'm told she is an excellent mouser. She'll bring you presents as long as you adore her! Ikea gets along wonderfully with other cats, but is terrified of dogs, and as such, can only go to a house without canines. She's a happy, healthy girl who is up to date on all of her shots, litterbox trained, and spayed.
If you feel that you can provide Ikea with a loving forever home, the first step is to fill out our adoption questionnaire.

There are some things to consider before adopting any animal, a list of which can be found here.

If you're sure you're ready to adopt, but not sure Ikea is the right match for you, check out our other adoptable animals. We have both cats and dogs who are just looking for a loving, caring home.

Dog Swim Event!

2009-08-23T03:19:00.000-04:00

We're happy to announce the first ever, first annual DOG SWIM! We've teamed up with the City of Athens' Parks and Recreation department to bring you this extra special super fun day. Are you ready for the details?

The dog swim will be held at the Athens City Pool on East State Street, in Athens. It will last from 10 a.m.until 2 p.m. on Saturday August 29. The cost is $5 per dog. Humans are free of charge. The event is rain or shine, but will be canceled in the event of lightening. The weather report as of August 23rd is calling for scattered thunderstorms. Let's hope they pass us by!

So what's the catch? You can't go in the water! That's right, your dogs can swim away the end of the pool season, but you have to stay comfortably dry and watch as they have all the fun. But what's a better way to spend the day than watching your pooch get some quality time in the water and make some new friends?

Vet records must be shown for all dogs stating they are current on rabies, bordetella, and distemper vaccinations. Any dogs showing aggression, or females in heat, will not be allowed at the event.

We ask kindly that when your pooch isn't in the pool that he's on a leash.

In addition to all this (Yes, there's more!) The Disaster Animal Response Team (DART) will be around to provide education and information about pets and disaster preparedness. Friends of the Dog Shelter will be there with some adoptable dogs, as well as a few of the Humane Society's own companion-less canines who will hopefully swim right into the hearts of someone who can give them a forever home!

This occurs on the same date and time as our Cat and Kitten adoption event, which will be held just down the road at the Market on State (formerly University Mall).
As always, check out our list of adoptable animals. At least two of our pooches will be at the pool that day, but I'll leave you guessing as to just who they are. Go check out all of our animals, they're all waiting for just the right human. Maybe that human is you?

Featured Pet of the Week: Kong

2009-08-19T00:26:00.000-04:00

Kong is just a littlebaby, but is already growing larger and stronger than his littermates. Kong bosses them around in a playful manner, and it's clear who is running the show! He's a little blue-gray ball of energy, and so loving and sweet he'll melt into your heart. Kong and his siblings had a rough start to life, and his mother Stripe is also in need of a good, loving forever home. Take a look at Kong's photos. Are you able to resist the urge to give him a spot in your heart and home? I'm not even sure I can!

There are some things you should consider before adopting any animal, a list of which can be found here.

Absolutely certain you want to take Kong home and treat him like a king? (King Kong? Get it?) The first step is to fill out our adoption questionnaire.

Are you looking for a pet, but not sure that Kong is the right one for you? Check out our ever-growing list of adoptable animals, and see if any capture your heart.

As always, many of these animals will be available to meet in person at our next Adoption Event, being held on Saturday, August 29th from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Market on State Street in Athens.

We hope to see you there!

A Chance to Rally

2009-08-19T00:22:00.000-04:00

Are you looking for a chance to make a small difference in a large issue? We received a letter this week explaining how individuals might help in a very local puppy mill case.

Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~

You may recall that there is a Pre-Trial Conference scheduled for this
coming Friday, August 21 at 2:00 PM in the class-action lawsuit filed
against Donald Dutiel and his cohorts in the "Wagon Wheel Ranch"
operation. (Black, et al., v. Dutiel, et al., case no.: 09CV-00170, Court
of Common Pleas, Perry County, Ohio, Linton Lewis, Judge).

Click here to read the article, "Lawsuit seeks to stop breeder - Wagon
Wheel breeds sick puppies, it alleges."

Although this is not an absolutely crucial event, it is important, and it
would be helpful to have a solid presence from the Ohio animal advocacy
community. If you cannot attend in person, we invite you to contact the
news media or other parties interested in humane causes, and ask if they
can send a representative.

The Pre-Trial Conference will be held in New Lexington, Ohio, in Perry
County, about an hour east southeast of Columbus:

Date:
Fri., 8/21

Time:
2:00 PM

Address:
105 North Main St.
New Lexington, OH 43764

Phone:
(740) 342-3156

Fax:
(740) 342-2188

Map to Courthouse:
http://www.perrycountycourt.com/map.shtml

Perry County Court Website:
http://www.perrycountycourt.com/

Support from concerned citizens would be very much appreciated, and could
very well help the many, possibly hundreds, of Dutiel's victims for whom
we might eventually get a small measure of justice if we can keep this
case going and growing (not to mention the scores that we might keep from
becoming victims).

We'll continue to keep you informed of developments in the case, even if
you cannot attend this week.

Thanks so much for serving as a strong voice for the dogs!

Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Cell: 614-271-8248
Columbus Top Dogs
http://www.columbustopdogs.com/
http://www.banohiodogauctions.com/
http://tejasanimalrefuge.ca/
http://www.lostpetusa.net/

Monthly Adoption Event!

2009-08-13T15:32:00.000-04:00

Our monthly adoption event will be held on Saturday, August 29 from 10AM to 2PM at the Market on State (formerly the University Mall) in Athens.

Fill out an adoption application on-site and interview with an ACHS representative to find the right match for you and your lifestyle. If you intend to adopt a cat please bring a carrier for safe transportation to your home. No cats will be permitted to leave the event without a carrier.

Check out our list of adoptable pets, some of which will be available for viewing at the event.

Make sure you're ready to adopt a friend by taking some time to figure out the answers to the important questions to ponder before adopting.

We'd love to see any of our animals go to wonderful, forever homes. If you have a space in your heart and home for any of these guys, please don't hesitate to drop by and fill out the paperwork! We have so many lovable, and loving, companions. If your life is missing a furry friend, we're the place to go!

Featured Adoptable Cat: Spaz

2009-08-12T17:22:00.001-04:00

Spaz might be his name, but this young guy is anything but. He loves to play, for sure, but also likes to cuddle. He even has a marking that looks like a milk mustache! Spaz loves to cuddle, especially on your chest. He will lay in the windowsill and bask in the sun, and all of the typical cat activities that make cats special. Spaz has no special needs, and is a healthy young guy. Do you have a spot in your home and your heart for Spaz?

Not sure you're ready to adopt? Here are some things to consider before taking responsibility for an animal.

Absolutely smitten with Spaz and want him in your life? Here's our adoption questionnaire. This form is your key to having Spaz as a forever friend.

Want to adopt, but maybe not looking for a cat like Spaz? (although why you wouldn't, I haven't a clue!) Here is a list of our other adoptable furry friends.

A Word On Feral Cats

2009-08-10T23:47:00.000-04:00

So what's the difference between feral cats and stray cats?
According to the Humane Society of the United States' page on Feral Cats:

A stray cat is a pet cat who is lost or abandoned. Feral cats are the offspring of lost or abandoned pet cats or other feral cats who are not spayed or neutered.

Stray cats are accustomed to contact with people and are tame, but feral cats are not accustomed to contact with people and are typically too fearful and wild to be handled.
Wheras stray cats may be reunited with their families or adopted into new homes, feral cats do not easily adapt or may never adapt to living as pets in close contact with people.

Here's a more in depth video for your viewing:

Many feral cats in our area adapt quite well to being barn cats once they are spayed/neutered. Younger kittens have a higher chance of being rehabilitated and placed in good homes, and with enough patience and expertise, most adult cats can as well.

Visit the Alley Cat Allies in our links section for more information as well.

Adoption Event

2009-08-06T14:47:00.000-04:00

We will be having our monthly adoption event at the Market on State Street (formerly the University Mall) in Athens on Saturday, August 29th from 10AM to 2PM. Come by to meet just some of the cats and dogs we have available for adoption.

If you plan on adopting an animal, please bring a secure carrier. No animal will be allowed to leave the event without one.

Not sure if you're ready? Here is a list of things to consider before adopting an animal. Absolutely sure you're ready to adopt? Check out our list of animals up for adoption.

Representatives will be on hand to match the right animal to your lifestyle. Ready to make a new, lifelong friend? They certainly are!

Community Support - Featured Adoptable Pets of the Week

2009-08-04T20:58:00.000-04:00

Communities all over the nation are pulling together to help animals in need. In a recent flood of the Louisville, KY area, shelter workers received assistance from the community to pull together and save most of the 600 residents of their animal shelter, both dogs and cats. The fatalities have been reported so far as only 1 dog and 12 cats. The whole story can be found here.

As heartwarming as it is to hear about the community pulling together to save animals in their time of need, similar things are happening right here in our own county. The animals pictured above were found in the basement of Donkey Coffee in Athens. Donkey Coffee was more than happy to pay for the spaying and neutering of these beautiful cats, as well as helped find a foster for the kittens Anna (left) and Andy (right) of the beautiful mama cat, Jolene, pictured center. Shelley Lieberman, our vice president, was there attending an event the night they were discovered, and was called in to help. Over the next few days, the cats were humanely trapped and given the health care they needed.

It's safe to say that not many companies or organizations would help out a cat, much less more than one cat, who had taken up residence in their basement. It's commendable not only that Donkey Coffee called the ACHS about these cats, who so desperately needed love, affection and attention, but fronted the cost for them to receive medical attention as well. On behalf of everyone at the ACHS, thank you, Donkey Coffee, for doing such a commendable and honorable thing.

Many people are also aware that there are often cats roaming around the Import House, another Athens fixture. These cats are often fostered from the Athens County Humane Society. Imagine being able to provide support, love, and care. If you are the owner of a local business and would like to get involved with us in some way, whether it's fostering adoptable animals or contributing financially to their upkeep, please do not hesitate to contact us!

Because of the amount of involvement and support from Donkey Coffee, this week's featured adoptable animals are Jolene, Anna, and Andy.

Jolene, a beautiful Russian Blue cat, is approximately 8 months old. She gave birth at a very young age, and came to us as a skittish kitten who would hardly trust a soul. She has been spayed and is quite healthy. She is fostered in a home that currently has two medium sized dogs (30 pounds) and two cats of it's own, and she has taken to all of them quite well, particularly the dogs! She has never met children, but we do not feel she would do well around them. She's independent and sassy, and prefers to seek affection out when she feels she would like it, rather than being constantly cuddled and picked up. She would make a wonderful companion to someone who is able to provide a quiet, calm environment for her, and didn't need constant cuddling!

Anna, or Anna Banana, her daughter, has very much the same spunk and sass as her mother. Anna is a dilute tortiseshell, with spots of the blue coloring her mother has. Anna is playful, and able to amuse herself for hours with anything that she finds be it string, puff balls and of course, toy mice. Anna is still a very young kitten, and has been spayed and is healthy.

Andy, Anna's brother and Jolene's son, has the sweetest, most mischievous look upon his face every time you meet him. And mischievous he is! The ACHS warns to put away your toilet paper, as he has quite the affinity for unwinding rolls of it! If you could use a little prankster, a joker, someone who will make you laugh and smile every time you see him, Andy may just be the kitten for you. He has been neutered and is healthy.

Andy and Anna can be visited on most days at White's Mill in Athens between the hours of 9am and 5pm. It's recommended to call first to see if they will be there. The number is (740) 592-1521.

Thinking about adopting any of these three? Here's a list of what to consider before adopting an animal from the Athens County Humane Society. If you're certain you'd like one of these three sweethearts in your home, filling out an adoption questionnaire is the first part of the process.

Andy, Anna or Jolene just not quite your speed? Check out our list of other adoptable animals to see if we have the right one for you.

If you own a business local to the Athens area, and would like to support our efforts, please call or email us. If you are an individual interested in helping with a time, monetary, or supply donation, please see our list of needs. Our contact information is, as always,

Athens County Humane Society
P.O. Box 765
Athens, OH 45701
info@athenshumane.org
740-592-6047 (voicemail only)

Spay Neuter Pre-Pay And Register

2009-07-30T13:56:00.000-04:00

Please don't forget that our next pre-pay and registration for the low cost spay and neuter clinic is coming up on AUGUST 6TH from 5-6 PM at The Market on E. State Street (formerly University Mall).

Please bring with you
Payment (unfortunately we can accept CASH ONLY)

And any qualifying paperwork you may need if signing up for financial assistance.

Prices and documentation needed can be found on our website.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Want to know why spaying and neutering is so important? Check this out!

It seems like we spend so much time stressing the point, but sometimes you need a little comic relief when it comes to the topic of animal population control. Many people cite the reason for not getting their animals spayed or neutered as they want their child or children to "witness the miracle of birth". These songs, aimed at a younger audience, explain why spaying and neutering is so important. You just might find they get stuck in your head, too.

Spaying and Neutering music videos that are sure to get stuck in your head, drive the point home, and make you smile a bit all at the same time. And for an extra bonus smile, both songs synchronized to footage from Disney's "The Lion King"

Featured Adoptable Animal: Ball

2009-07-27T18:36:00.000-04:00

Ball is a domestic long haired black female cat. She's an adult, and knows exactly what she wants in life! She's shy around strangers, but is cuddly with those she knows are her true friends. Ball isn't too keen on children, and would do best in a house without them. She's currently an indoor and outdoor cat, and gets along peachy with other cats. Ball has been waiting for a new home for a year, and she really could use all the love and affection you have in your heart. Are you someone who could learn from Ball, and give her the second chance in life she deserves? If so, check out our website and begin the adoption process!

Aren't sure if you're ready to adopt yet? Here are some things to consider.

If Ball doesn't sound like she would be a good match for you, we have a list of perfectly wonderful animals all waiting for their forever homes. Check them out!

Photos from Allen Pet Clinic Party and Breed Specific Legislation

2009-07-27T18:20:00.000-04:00

I've gotten photos from the Allen Pet Clinic Party, mostly of our dear friend Maddison, who is adoptable through us. She was there for a heartworm test, and was just a sweetheart the entire time.

Maddison is a pitbull, and many people were hesitant to approach her because of that fact. But Maddison is well behaved, and living proof that the breed of a dog does not determine its temperament. Maddison did quite well with all the cats (although they did not like her so much!) and was wonderful with every child who approached her.

The Humane Society is opposed to breed specific legislation, which is normally aimed at dogs like Maddison. You can read the Humane Society of the United States' official position on "dangerous dogs" and breed specific legislation (BSL) here.

Unfortunately, some areas of Ohio have enacted breed specific legislation, a list of which can be found here.

While laws may not always be "fair", they are unfortunately the law, and must be followed. Currently, Athens County has no breed specific legislation in action, some of our neighboring counties do. It is important to know the laws regarding animal ownership, and to fight them, when appropriate and necessary through legal means like petitioning and public education.

Since I've started volunteering with the ACHS, I've been asked any number of questions. One of the least asked questions is "How can I help?", which saddens me. One way that people can help without committing time, effort, or money (although you're more than welcome to, in fact, encouraged, to help with those things!) is to be knowledgeable about our organization and what we do, as well as the welfare laws and rights concerning animals. By learning these things, and passing them on, you do help in your own special way. Word of mouth is a very powerful thing, and a lot of animals end up in bad situations due to misinformation.

For example, I am pictured here at the Allen Pet Clinic Party speaking to a woman about just some of the many things we do. Our vice president, Shelly Lieberman, must be a ninja with a camera, because I never even knew I was being photographed. Kudos to her!

Week in Review - July 19th through July 25th

2009-07-26T15:25:00.000-04:00

Monday, July 20^th, a letter to the editor was published in the Athens News that I would encourage anyone and everyone to read. It is about the care and return of abused animals to their owners, and a situation that I, personally, went through that was even more rough to come to terms with.

In similar news, three new kittens were found abandoned this week in Nelsonville. Abandoned is, of course, the polite way of stating it as they had to be pulled from the Hocking River. Luke, a male orange tabby, Leia, a female dilute calico with the most gorgeous orange patches, and Bea, a gray tabby female who all look to be about 7-8 weeks old were found this past week. They’ve all been given a good cleaning and once over, have been de-wormed and de-flea’d, and are being fed and housed, but are still outdoor cats at the moment.

The life of an outdoor cat is not one that I would recommend for anyone, if they can help it. It’s dangerous, especially for tiny kittens who don’t know well enough about the perils of the world. They can climb under car hoods to seek shelter from the heat of the day, run into the road and get hit by cars, be carried off by wild animals or destroyed by domestic pets that are not properly trained or controlled. Bea has been missing for two days, and it’s worrisome. Luke and Leia, however, have been very social with all those they come in contact with. They play together, as well as with other cats at the apartment complex they are being held at. They tolerate gentle large dogs quite well, and are very loving towards people.

It’s no doubt in my mind that Luke and Leia, as well as Bea, are littermates who were dumped by some unfortunate soul who felt that it was their only option. I would like to encourage readers to keep an eye out in their neighborhood. Spring is a particularly rough time of year for people and their animals. Let your neighbors know about our low-cost spay and neuter clinics and the other services we offer. Perhaps even lend them a helping hand if they have an accidental litter that they don’t know what to do with. No animal should ever have to be dumped unceremoniously alongside the road, in the river, or worse.

The Athens County Humane Society is a completely volunteer organization. The economy is tough on everyone right now, and people may think they have no option but to get rid of their animals. The ACHS understands tight funding – we’re a non-profit organization that relies solely on fundraising, donations, and membership fees. But we try to help as much as we can, and often our volunteers go above and beyond the call of duty to help an animal or owner in need.The Humane Society of the United States has even had to suspend their financial aid program to help keep pets and families together, however they still offer some tips for cutting the costs of pet ownership.

This week was not all bad, however! The Athens County Humane Society attended Allen Pet Clinic’s anniversary party on Friday, July 27^th. T-shirts were available, as well as literature and cats for adoption. I myself volunteered for two hours, and found that it was interesting to see the number of people who did not know what kind of services we offered, or that we even existed! Many people had misconceptions about the organization, which were cleared up. It was a bittersweet event for me, hearing the stories of people and their animals, which they had brought with them.Most of the animals had been rescued or adopted, while others spoke of animals long past who had met a bitter end due to cruelty on behalf of their neighbors, friends, or even family. It was wonderful to see so many people take an interest, no matter how hesitant they were.

July 25^th was our adoption event at the Market on State Street. I did not attend, but I’m sure it was a blast, and I’m certain many more people had a chance to witness the wonderful animals that we have for adoption, as well as learn a little bit more about our organization. Hopefully some of our wonderful friends found homes, and I will update a bit later on that.

I also had the opportunity to attend a local music festival, Diamond Music Fest, set up by Nick Collura of Insea Sound Shop of Nelsonville. The event, held at Lake Logan, was a wonderful time to get to know some of the people in the overall larger Southeastern Ohio area. I met a good many people from Athens County, and a good many people who just "got" the concept of what's going on and what we're trying to do. It was a good way to get the word out and, since it was a dog friendly event, meet some pooches who were rescued or adopted and are now leading happy, healthy lives.

Also, don’t forget, coming up on August 6^th is our register and pre-pay session for the spay and neuter clinics. We can accept CASH ONLY, unfortunately, so bring that, as well as an ID with a street address in Athens County. If you are applying for low-cost assistance, bring photocopied proof that you qualify. A list of acceptable documents can be found on our website. For low-cost help, the name on the ID must match the name on the documentation. Prices can also be found on our website. The prepay session is, again, AUGUST 6^th from 5-6 PM at the Market on State Street (formerly the University Mall, the building with Elder Beerman’s, Claire’s, and Tractor Supply).

If you’re wondering why spaying and neutering is such a big deal, check out this information.

Adoption Event

2009-07-22T13:18:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, July 25th we will be having an adoption event at the Market On State (formerly the University Mall) in Athens from 10 AM until 2 PM.

Come out and see our cats and dogs. You can fill out an adoption questionnaire on site and meet with representatives who will find just the right match for you!

A list of our adoptable pets can be found here, but rest assured that if you're looking for a fuzzy, cute companion to give a forever home to, there's plenty more! Do you have a spot in your heart and home? If so, show up to the event and discuss it with one of the ACHS representatives who would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.

Not sure if you're ready to adopt? Here are some things to think about.

You must be 21 or older to adopt an ACHS animal, and there is a required adoption fee for each animal.

PLEASE NOTE that if you intend to adopt a cat please bring a carrier for safe transportation to your home. No cats will be permitted to leave the event without a carrier.

Featured Adoptable Cat: Storm

2009-07-22T10:10:00.001-04:00

Storm is the beautiful domestic long haired gray cat shown above. She was found along the bike path, sick. A kind woman took her in, and she's doing great now. She's an indoor/outdoor cat, and will accompany no matter what you do - gardening, reading, lounging around. Storm is not fond of other cats, and needs to be the only cat in a household. If you know someone who has a spot in their heart and home for a forever friend like Storm, please let them know. Are you that someone? Fill out the adoption questionnaire on our website. If you'd like to see more photos of storm, or hear more about her, check out her page, and while you're at it, browse our other friends in need of loving, forever homes too!

Spay and Neuter Registration Details

2009-07-20T09:37:00.000-04:00

Spaying or neutering your pets is a good idea for several reasons. It prevents unwanted animals, who end up at overloaded shelters or rescue organizations or worse, dumped on the streets to fend for themselves. But it also provides health benefits to the animals in question. It is agreed by veterinary organizations that spaying or neutering your companion animal can greatly reduce its risk of developing reproductive diseases down the road - uterine cancer, breast cancer, testicular and prostate cancer have all shown to decrease in older animals who were spayed when they were younger.

The next pre-pay and registration session for the Athens County Humane Society will be held on August 6th, 2009 from 5 to 6 PM at the Market on East State Street in Athens.

Those wishing to register and prepay should show up with the appropriate amount of money. Unfortunately we can take CASH ONLY.

If you are one of Athens County's many residents below the poverty level, do not fear - there is financial assistance available for those who qualify. Details and rates can be found here. When you come to register, please bring copies of the appropriate paperwork with you.

We look forward to seeing you there!

ACHS Volunteer featured on CNNU

2009-05-24T10:58:00.000-04:00

Kat Allen, an ACHS volunteer who donated her time to help organize t-shirts for Spay Day and is on the PR committee, was recently interviewed for a segment on CNN. Check it out!!

A Great Week For Fundraising!

2009-05-05T21:12:00.000-04:00

Thanks to all the hard work of volunteers, the ACHS has had some great fundraising success this week!

The Mom's Weekend Bake Sale made a total of $675.27, including food, t-shirt, Rufus photos, and catnip sales!! A special thank you goes out to Julie Tatge, Jane Smith and Char Rae who organized the event and worked ALL DAY in order to help make this sale a success. The photos with Rufus were another great addition to the day -- thanks Char!

There was also a great turnout at today's Puppy Palooza event -- over $500 dollars was raised for the dog adoption program! Luckily we had good weather, so dogs and owners alike had a chance to get outside and have a great time. Another special thanks goes out to the OU Coms 405 class that helped organize the event.

Awesome job everyone!! Stay tuned for more ACHS activity!

Puppy Palooza!

2009-05-04T10:43:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, May 5, ACHS will be hosting Puppy Palooza, an outdoor festival complete with music, food, and, of course, puppies! Bring your canine friend along to the Howard Hall Park site (right next to Voigt Hall) from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to enjoy games -- including a dog oriented 'Simon Says' -- Cold Stone Creamery ice cream and other refreshments, and raffles! Prizes include a Cincinnati Reds autographed 2008 team ball, an opportunity for free Cold Stone for a year, local business merchandise, and a free pet portrait.

All proceeds go to the ACHS, so your fun in the sun will not only be a chance to bond with your pet, but also an opportunity to give back! ACHS t-shirts will also be available for $12, so you can show your support for the society all year round.

Puppy Palooza is a great way to kick of spring, and what better way to enjoy it than with your favorite canine friend?

** If it happens to rain tomorrow, the festival will be postponed until May 7 **

Low Cost Spay and Neuter Registration

2009-05-01T18:46:00.000-04:00

On Monday, May 4, ACHS will hold a low-cost spay and neuter registration for Athens County residents interested in any of the upcoming summer spay and neuter clinics. Residents who qualify for the society's financial assistance program will also have the opportunity to register.

The registration will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Nelsonville Family Center, 1154 East Canal Street. Anyone interested in getting their pet spayed or neutered should stop by!! Remember, this is a cash only pre-pay/registration -- visit the ACHS Web site for more information about prices and required documentation.

Mom's Weekend Bake Sale

2009-04-27T14:20:00.000-04:00

ACHS is hosting a bake sale on Saturday, May 2nd that will not only feature tasty treats, but will also be visited by Rufus the Bobcat, ready and willing to help out his feline friends.

Rufus will be available from noon to 2 p.m. to take pictures with students and their families. Professional photographer Louise Fish will be taking the pictures and posting them on Shutterfly to be downloaded. Donations will be requested as a "sitting fee" for being photographed with the OU mascot.

The bake sale will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first floor of Baker Center, and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the fourth floor of the Center right outside the front door.

Stop by for goodies and photos -- Proceeds go to ACHS!

ACHS Adoption Event!

2009-04-08T12:42:00.000-04:00

Interested in adding a four-legged friend to your family? This Saturday at The Market on State Street, the ACHS will be hosting an adoption event that will feature cats, kittens and possibly even a dog or two. Anyone interested in adopting will have the opportunity to fill out an application on-site. ACHS volunteers will also be conducting interviews in order to help find the perfect animal that matches your personality and lifestyle.

If you are interested in adopting a cat, please make sure to bring a carrier, as no cats will be allowed to leave without the promise of safe transportation. Those who cannot make it to the event can still check out what animals are up for adoption online.

The event will also provide an opportunity to purchase raffle tickets to win a professional pet portrait! The winner will get a studio pet session at Lamborn's Studio and a 16" by 20" framed color portrait, valued at over $300. Tickets are only $10 dollars (cash only), and even those who do not win the grand prize can use their tickets to receive half-off a studio pet session plus a complimentary 4" by 5" miniature portrait.

Tickets for the raffle will also be sold at Lamborn's Studio (19 West State St.), White's Mill (2 White's Mill Dr. - located off Route 682) and the Import House (68 N. Court St.). The winner will be announced late May, so you better hurry to ensure your chance to win!

Registration for Spay and Neuter Clinics!

2009-04-07T13:57:00.000-04:00

If you're interested in getting your pet spayed or neutered, come to the ACEnet building (formerly Rocky Boots in Nelsonville) from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9 to sign up for an April or May slot.

Records of rabies shots and full payment (in cash) are mandatory before you can be allotted a time, so come prepared! There will be a clinic held in Athens on May 9, but it is limited to male cats and large, male or female dogs.

The ACHS does off a low cost option for those who need it, but please see athenshumane.petfinder.com for more details along with information on prices and photocopies of documentation that must be submitted to prove residency in Ahtnes County and low income status.

Getting your animal spayed or neutered is a great way to help relieve overpopulation, plus it may help with behavioral problems. For more information, check out my post from March 10 or the HSUS Web site.

Puppy Mill Awareness Week Continues

2009-04-01T11:42:00.000-04:00

Today is Day Two of ACHS's Puppy Mill Awareness Week, and a quick jaunt up to College Gate will show just how determined ACHS volunteers are to spread the message. Braving bursts of wind meant to halt their efforts, they continued setting up and resetting up posters and flyers that inform people passing by about the horrific realities of puppy mills.

Now, I know what it's like to feel bombarded at College Gate with flyers and sign up sheets (did you register to vote?), but the ACHS table is obviously different. Their goal is not a self-serving one. It is, according to ACHS Vice President Shelley Lieberman, to let "people know what puppy mills are and that they supply to pet stores." Hopefully, students walking by receiving free cookies and puppy chow with little flyers attached will take the time to read and understand the message, and then remember the information when they go to adopt their next pet.

The tables, set up in front of College Gate and Baker Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., are part of Puppy Mill Awareness Week, an ACHS initiative to inform people about the horrors of puppy mills. The initiative actually started yesterday, and ACHS volunteer Mary Quinn has been pleased with the results. "Students were very receptive," she said. "It was nice to see them walking away and actually reading [the brochures]."

Shelley Lieberman and Mary Quinn fight against the wind while trying
to set up their informational table in front of College Gate

Mary manned one of the tables yesterday form 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and during those short two hours the group actually ran out of flyers and had to go print more. "It was really exciting," she said adding that a lot of students were surprised and upset to find out about puppy mills and the pet stores that supply them.

"I actually had one person contradict me," Mary said, referring to information about Petland selling puppy mill dogs. A visitor to the table told Mary that her roommate worked at Petland, and that the dogs are not from puppy mills. Mary, however, remains unconvinced.

"I went to Petland to scope it out," she said, "and they try really hard to sell you the puppy you are playing with." Along with mentioning breed regulations she's never heard of and the fact that Petland is currently being sued by the HSUS for selling puppy mill dogs, Mary is even more suspicious of the company.

"It makes me wonder what they are telling their workers," she said.

Puppy Mill Awareness Week will end on Saturday, April 4 with a peaceful protest against Petland from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those interested should meet in the parking lot next to Hollywood Video.

Also, as part of the awareness week, the ACHS will be hosting a fundraiser at The Crystal from 4 to 8 p.m. T-shirts that are on sale at the tables for $12 dollars will also be sold at the bar, and all tips and donations will go to the humane society. So if you are looking for something to do Thursday evening, come to The Crystal and start off the weekend with a drink and a contribution!

Lancaster Kennels to be featured on "Nightline"

2009-03-27T13:47:00.000-04:00

Even though Lancaster County has been called out for its improper breeding techniques on both the "Oprah Winfrey Show" and People Magazine, the area will be featured again tonight on ABC's "Nightline" and will include live footage and an interview with an Amish breeder.

The breeder, who has around 500 animals on his property (the largest amount allowed by the state), will provide insight into an industry that is fueled by half-truths and suspicion.

Bill Smith, founder of Chester County's Main Line Animal Rescue, confirmed in an email on Wednesday that ABC News Correspondent Shannon Alfonsi and a crew have been shooting footage of commercial breeding kennels in Lancaster and Berks Counties for the segment. It was Smith who pushed to get Lancaster onto "Oprah," a publicity move that resulted in millions of people world-wide becoming more aware of the horrors of puppy mills.

The segment is scheduled to air at 11:35 p.m. tonight. However, it has been scheduled for the past several weeks, so there is a possibility it will be bumped to next week.

If you don't wish to watch "Nightline," the Animal Planet will be showing "Puppy Mills: Exposed" at 10 p.m. -- a special addition of "Animal Cops: Philadelphia."

Coming Soon: Puppy Mill Awareness Week!

2009-03-19T15:54:00.000-04:00

The warm weather of spring may encourage college students to buy furry friends to keep them company during tiring games of Frisbee or lazy days at Strouds Run, but the ACHS wants to make sure they know exactly where their dogs are coming from.

From March 31st - April 4, the ACHS is hosting Puppy Mill Awareness Week. If you're not familiar with puppy mills, I suggest checking out the HSUS's puppy mill initiative, www.stoppuppymills.org. The Web site has all the information you need to know about these inhumane breeding operations that mistreat animals and raise puppies in shockingly poor conditions.

To help spread awareness about these horrific conditions, the ACHS is actively trying to inform as many college students as it can about puppy mills and how to stop unknowingly supporting them by buying from pet stores. During Puppy Mill Awareness Week, the ACHS will have tables set up at the College Gate and Baker Center from Tuesday, March 31st to Friday, April 4 from 11a.m. - 4p.m. every day with readily available information for students.

On Thursday, April 2, there will be a fundraiser at the Crystal on Court St. from 4-8p.m. (for those of legal age). Donations will be accepted at the door, and all tips will go to ACHS. There will also be great drink specials, so enjoy the winding down of a busy week while supporting the cause!

Puppy Mill Awareness week will end with a peaceful protest against Petland on East State Street in Athens from 11a.m.- 1p.m. on Saturday, April 4. Anyone who would like to participate should meet in the empty lot next to Hollywood Video prepared with signs voicing their opinions against Petland and puppy mills.

Even though the horrors of puppy mills may seem far away, a bust last summer in Parkersburg, W. Va. resulted in 1,000 dogs being saved from scattered run-down sheds on the property, some without access to fresh water. The animals had not received any veterinary care or basic socialization with other animals or humans.

If you're disturbed by puppy mills and their inhumane treatment of dogs, please click the link at the top of this page to sign a petition against them!

HSUS files lawsuit against Petland, Inc.

2009-03-17T14:05:00.001-04:00

Late yesterday, members of the HSUS and other consumers filed a class action lawsuit against Petland, Inc. and Hunte Corporation alleging that the companies sell unhealthy puppy mill puppies to unknowing consumers.

According the HSUS press release, the class action lawsuit was filed in a Phoenix federal district court after an eight month investigation by the HSUS into multiple Petland stores that were directly linked to puppy mills.

The complaint was 34 pages long and included examples of pets that got sick or died after being adopted. Petland, however, denies it practices false marketing of sick dogs or utilizes the services of puppy mills.

Considering Petland is the largest chain pet store that supports puppy mills and Hunte is one of the country's largest distributes of inhumanely bred dogs, this is a major step in the fight against puppy mills! For more information about the horrors of puppy mills, check out the HSUS's Stop Puppy Mills initiative.

Post to come soon about the Athens County Humane Society's upcoming "Puppy Mill Awareness Week."

To Spay or Not to Spay...

2009-03-12T11:34:00.001-04:00

I just discovered an article Sarah sent me with myths and facts about getting animals spayed and neutered on the Humane Society of the United States's Web site. If you are a pet owner trying to decide whether or not to get your animal fixed, I encourage you to check it out! Overpopulation is a major concern for animal lovers, and getting your pets spayed or neutered could seriously cut back on the number of animals that need to be put down each year.

Tessie Cam

2009-03-11T15:10:00.000-04:00

As promised, here is a video of our adopted ACHS cat, Tessie, playing with her favorite toy. She's pretty ADD like her owners, so we have to whip the toy back and forth really fast in order to keep her attention... It's not the greatest video in the world, but it demonstrates how she keeps us entertained!!

Spay and Neuter Basics

2009-03-10T14:04:00.000-04:00

Anyone interested in getting their pet spayed or neutered through the humane society should be sure to check the ACHS Web site regularly for information regarding registration for clinics. Here is some basic information regarding prices and the spay and neuter process.

The clinic requires that animals' rabies vaccinations be updated if not current. If your animal does not have a updated vaccines, the clinic will automatically vaccinate the dog/cat for an extra $7. If your pet's vaccinations are updated, bring a copy of the certificate (not tag) along with you to registration.

Cats
Spay

Without rabies: $47
With rabies: $54
In heat/pregnant: an extra $5

Neuter

Without rabies: $37
With rabies: $44

Dogs
Spay

Under 20 lbs: $52 w/o rabies, $59 w/rabies
20-40 lbs: $57 w/o rabies, $64 w/rabies
40-60 lbs: $62 w/o rabies, $69 w/rabies
60-80 lbs: $72 w/o rabies, $79 w/rabies
80-100 lbs: $82 w/o rabies, $89 w/rabies
100-150 lbs: $102 w/o rabies, $109 w/rabies
In heat/Pregnant: an extra $5

Neuter

Under 20 lbs: $47 w/o rabies, $49 w/rabies
20-40 lbs: $47 w/o rabies, $54 w/rabies
40-60 lbs: $52 w/o rabies, $59 w/rabies
60-80 lbs: $62 w/o rabies, $69 w/rabies
80-100 lbs: $72 w/o rabies, $79 w/rabies
100-150 lbs: $102 w/o rabies, $109 w/ rabies

Financial Assistance

Low income families that may not have the budget for spaying or neutering pets can apply for financial assistance through the ACHS. If you are receiving governmental financial assistance, bring a photocopy the ACHS can keep of necessary paperwork like a Social Securtiy Disability Letter, Ohio Works First schedule letter, WIC letter, or tax returns showing that you fall below the federal poverty line. If you do qualify for the spay and neuter subsidy, you must still pay a copay IN CASH at registration.

Assisted Prices

Cats
Spay: $20
Netuer: $15

Dogs
Under 20 lbs: $30 (spay) $20 (neuter)
20-40 lbs: $35 (spay) $25 (neuter)
40-60 lbs: $40 (spay) $30 (neuter)
60-80 lbs: $45 (spay) $35 (neuter)
80-100 lbs: $50 (spay) $40 (neuter)

100-150: $85 (spay) $70 (neuter)

Over 150 lbs: $100 (spay) $85 (neuter)

*You are responsible for providing accurate weight information at registration

Remember, keep checking the ACHS Web site for information regarding clinic and registration times!!

For More Information...

2009-03-06T15:58:00.000-05:00

Without an actual shelter, the ACHS relies on all aspects of the internet to help get the word out to people interested in adopting a pet -- including Facebook. The group's Facebook page has contact information, pictures and provides an opportunity for people curious about pet adoption to ask questions and spark a conversation on the wall.

Along with providing information, the page also gives visitors the option to purchase a t-shirt for an ACHS fundraiser. The ACHS is currently selling two t-shirts, one funny and one more serious, for only $10.00. They are only available until March 17, so check them out! All money goes to the ACHS's mission to help ensure animals in the county have the opportunity to be spayed and neutered. If ordering online isn't your thing, ACHS volunteer Kat Allen will be at the Baker Center Front Room on March 10 and 12 from 5p.m.-7p.m. and March 14 from noon - 2p.m.

Bonding over spilled milk...

2009-03-05T11:42:00.000-05:00

The other day I was sitting in my living room watching TV and drinking a glass of water. We don’t have a coffee table, so instead of holding my drink, I set it down on the ground in front of me. Sure enough, within minutes, I saw a small, gray and white face peek from around the chair. She crept forward, staring at me the entire time. Then she stopped, huddled to the ground next to my glass while continuing to stare at me intently.

“No!” I said sternly.

She stared – lifted her paw to the edge of my glass.

“Noo…” I repeated.

Her eyes almost seemed to narrow in defiance as she reached into my glass and with one swift, fatal motion, knocked my drink over.

Then she ran away.

This situation (a game she seems to think) happens multiple times a day between me, my three roommates and our adopted cat, Tessie. My roommate, Shelley Goff, decided to adopt her from ACHS back in October 2008, and since then, even spilled milk can’t keep us from adoring every minute she spends at our home.

Tessie was born in a trailer park, and when she came to live with us she was only 10 weeks old and had fleas and worms. Now, over a year later, she is a healthy, slightly chubby (but in the absolute cutest way) part of our family.

Being raised by all girls – seven last year and four this year – she has certainly picked up some of our…bratty… behavior. Even though she has the “I want to be part of the action but you are absolutely not allowed to bother me” attitude of a 13-year-old girl, she still curls up with me in bed or joins us on the couch during movies.

“I love her so much more than she loves me,” jokes Goff after Tessie loudly objects to being picked up off the floor. Even though she scratches at furniture and never lets us hold her as much as we want to, having Tessie around our house has certainly helped cheer us up on many occasions. She knows our personalities, and plays with us each in a different kind of way. And, although it is annoying, spilling our drinks has even become a kind of humorous routine.

"I think she is just trying to tell us to keep the place clean,” Goff said.

It goes without saying that we think of Tessie as another roommate and not just a cat. I can’t help but feel that people often underestimate the importance of animals. They have distinctive personalities and interact with their owners on a daily basis, so not considering them a part of the family seems absurd to me. I admit it, we talk to Tessie as if we expect her to respond, and while sometimes she does meow back (particularly if we are yelling at her to stop doing something) it’s less of a need for a response and more of a desire for camaraderie that keeps us talking to her. Pets are loyal companions; I can’t even count how many times I have been in a bad mood and Tessie has jumped up next to me on the couch.

And besides, when I wake up and she is curled up next to my feet, how can I not say ‘good morning?’

Who could resist this face??

Cookies for Contraception: ACHS Bake Sale Part of Spay Day USA

2009-02-25T22:38:00.000-05:00

The table on the first floor of Baker Center was littered with brownies, cookies, muffins, breads and other baked goodies. Holly Koprowski, an organizational communication major and ACHS volunteer, sat behind the table with a tin box for donations in front of her. During the 15 minutes I sat talking with her, at least three people stopped by the table, some donating money in exchange for a tasty treat and some just donating money.

"I think they come more for the cause than anything else," Koprowski said. "It's puppies and kittens!"

The bake sale, sponsored by the Ohio University Pre-Veterinarian program, was the ACHS's contribution to Spay Day USA, an annual event held by the Humane Society of the United States. The event occurs every year on the last Tuesday in February, and humane societies across the country participate in order to encourage pet owners to spay and neuter their pets.

Even though the ACHS has held many successful bake sales in the past, Koprowski had a bad dream the night before that left her feeling anxious about the event. However, her nerves were quickly quieted thanks to an outpouring of support from the university community. The bake sale, which also had a sign-up sheet for two different t-shirts advocating getting pets fixed, brought in $250 for the society.

"It was a lot more successful than I thought," Koprowski said. All of the money earned at the event went to sponsoring animals and the ACHS's mobile spay and neuter clinics. The treats, which were on sale form 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on February 24, were donated by the National Communication Association Student Club, the Pre-Veterinarian program, the ACHS and any friends that could be convinced to participate.

We just asked everyone we knew to bake something, said Koprowski, a lifetime animal lover thanks in part to her mother's job as a veterinarian's assistant. "We want to raise just as much as we can for the clinic and for Spay Day USA."

ACHS volunteer Holly Koprowski mans the bake sale table for Spay Day USA

Getting both male and female animals fixed is an important part of pet ownership that is often disregarded. Spaying or neutering pets can help with behavioral problems and prevents unwanted litters that can become a financial burden. In fact, the biggest portion of the ACHS's budget goes to ensuring pets in the region can get the operation. Humane society volunteers, however, aren't the only ones concerned about getting animals fixed. A YouTube video created by the Alliance for Humane Action and posted on the ACHS's Web site shows a more...unique... point of view...